My Dog Sighs finishes new art mural for Hilsea Lido
A NEW mural featuring an internationally-renowned artist’s signature calling card of reflective eyes has been completed in the city.
Southsea artist My Dog Sighs has painted one of the walls of the Hilsea Lido in a bid to bring cheer in the pandemic.
The wall is of the newly-built sea defences, put up by contractor Knights Brown, protecting the north of the city.
The artwork, which replaces a previous mural by My Dog Sighs and city artist Fark from five years ago that had faded, features a watery blue background and two eyes with reflections of a person getting out of the pool.
The artist, who only goes by My Dog Sighs, said: ‘It was great to come back and repaint the lido wall.
‘I'm always trying to find a good canvas with a good aspect and this is a great location.
‘If you are driving along the M27 you will be able to see it.
‘With the support of Knights Brown and the lido team, we were able to brighten up a dull corner of the city.’
Hilsea Lido is not planned to re-open until 2021.
It comes as the artist has raised £50,000 through crowdfunding for a project. the details of which are still under wraps, after funds from Arts Council England fell through during the pandemic.
He posted on social media: ‘I’m beyond blown away.
‘You’ve all rallied round and worked so hard to make this ‘mystery project’ happen so now the hard work starts in earnest for me.
‘Like a swan (or duck), my feet have been madly paddling below the surface for the last year, keeping the wall and gallery and street stuff happening while planning, preparing, securing and fixing.
‘Now I need to dive headlong into the project proper. This’ll mean things might go a bit quiet, for a period of time, but when the time is right I’ll give you some teasers.’
Fundraisers donated to the project in exchange for a range of gifts – with a further £2,000 topped up by Portsmouth City Council.