Storm Kathleen’s winds were whipping through Dublin today, and even the National Botanic Gardens weren’t immune. I’d ventured out with dreams of capturing the beauty of the spring blooms – flowering trees, bushes, and shrubs in all their glory. The Botanic Gardens are renowned for their Rhododendrons, and I was particularly eager to photograph these vibrant flowers.
It should be mentioned that there is an ongoing debate surrounding Rhododendrons, especially their invasive nature in areas like Killarney National Park. Putting that aside for the moment, my main obstacle became the weather itself. The wind was fierce, making the branches and flowers dance so wildly that photographing them clearly became an almost impossible feat. The persistent rain didn’t help matters either!
Despite the challenges I am reasonably happy with the resulting images.
Finding information about this mural online proved challenging.
Masa Khader, along with her family, tragically lost her life in an Israeli airstrike on their home in Rafah, Gaza Strip on 21st October. The airstrike claimed the lives of Masa, her 4-year-old sister Lina, and their parents, Loay Khader and Samar al-Atrash.
Samia al-Atrash, Masa’s aunt and the woman seen cradling her lifeless body in the heart-wrenching news photo, reached out to an Irish artist named Emmalene Blake after seeing a mural inspired by that very image.
The mural, painted by Blake in Dublin, features the Palestinian flag as the child’s death shroud, and it has garnered widespread attention on social media. Samia al-Atrash, still alive and residing in Rafah, expressed her connection to the mural and the heartbreaking loss of her family members.
Emmalene Blake is a well-known Irish street artist, teacher, and activist based in Dublin. Here’s what you should know about her:
Artistic Style: Emmalene’s art often centres on social and political themes. She’s known for her large-scale murals that are striking, bold, and often feature iconic figures.
Her work frequently addresses issues like climate change, social justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and representation of women and marginalised communities.
Some of her most famous murals include: A portrait of George Floyd in Dublin, created in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests. A depiction of Irish writer Sinéad O’Connor as a statement on mental health and Ireland’s treatment of women. A mural of Kellie Harrington, celebrating the Irish Olympic boxing champion. Murals celebrating frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alongside her art, Emmalene works as an art teacher and is a vocal activist. She frequently participates in workshops and talks, and uses her platform to advocate for causes she believes in.