Painted in 2022 by Anna and Isobel Mahon, the Glasnevin Tarot Mural stands as a vibrant testament to local history. You are standing on Glasnevin Hill, or as it was once known, Washerwoman Hill. This mural before you celebrates the working women who once toiled here.
Imagine this Glasnevin Tarot Mural as a modern-day stained glass. The Mahon sisters drew inspiration from the renowned Irish artist Harry Clarke. His iconic stained-glass work is reinterpreted here, in this vibrant mural. The Glasnevin Tarot Mural honors the past and present.
Notice the central figure of the Glasnevin Tarot Mural, a young washerwoman looking upward. She represents the women who labored on this very hill. Their work was essential. They depended on the River Tolka flowing beneath.
The artists, Anna and Isobel Mahon, are sisters who grew up in Glasnevin. They wanted to brighten up their community with this mural. They succeeded wonderfully. The Glasnevin Tarot Mural is a gift to the neighborhood.
Also within the Glasnevin Tarot Mural, observe the herons on the side panels. Their heads, like the washerwoman’s gaze, point skyward. These birds are common sights along the River Tolka. The herons connect the washerwoman to the river. The river was her workplace and the herons’ home. The Glasnevin Tarot Mural shows this connection between people and nature.
Dublin Canvas is the project which supports artworks like the Glasnevin Tarot Mural. It brings art to unexpected places. The Glasnevin Tarot Mural is one of many such artworks scattered throughout Dublin. Each tells a unique story.
The Glasnevin Tarot Mural is more than just a painting. It is a celebration of local heritage. It reminds us of the women who shaped this community. It connects us to the river that sustains it. It adds beauty to our everyday lives.
Think about the stories behind public art. The Glasnevin Tarot Mural is a reminder of the past. It also embodies the creative spirit of Dublin. Take a moment to appreciate this artwork. Let the Glasnevin Tarot Mural inspire you to look closer at your surroundings.