Artists Play Hide and Seek as Incognito
“Everyone loves cows! They always come out on top,” reveals Incognito curator Lucinda Hall, of the subject matter that most attracts interest from Incognito art buyers. “Then there’s cats, birds, boats, lighthouses, apples, oranges, and, strangely, chimneys!”
Of course, what makes Incognito so special is that the artists are playing a game of hide and seek, with buyers having absolutely no idea of the identity of the artist behind their chosen artwork, until after the sale has closed!
They say art is in the eye of the beholder, but there’s one common denominator that binds together every Incognito art buyer and that is a shared love for the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation and the motivation to raise funds for its vital services caring for children nationwide.
The Incognito art sale is about turning art into a currency for care. The funds raised through Incognito will translate into specialist in-home nursing care hours for over 400 children from birth to six years of age who have highly complex medical conditions and who live in communities across the country. Jack and Jill also provides end-of-life care for all children up to the age of six, irrespective of diagnosis.
Among the superstars to have taken part in the past have been Bob Geldof, Bruce & Pattie Springsteen, Bono, The Edge and Ronnie Wood, while high-profile artists have included Robert Ballagh, Tracey Emin, Helen Steele, Ruthie Ashenhurst, Abigail O’Brien and Maser, to name but a few.
Now in its eighth year, Incognito, Ireland’s biggest online art sale, will be launched on Thursday April 4. On that day, thousands of artworks by hundreds of artists will finally go on show and buyers will have three weeks to peruse and pick their favourite pieces before the sale goes live on Wednesday, April 24.
Each original Incognito postcard-size artwork costs just €65 and features a variety of media including traditional pastels, watercolours, oils, ink, and charcoal, as well as the more unusual such as felt, glass, ceramic, wax, and wool, and so much more. In the past, there have even been entries created from old socks – washed, of course!
Love of the Art
For Incognito curator, Lucinda Hall, when it comes to Incognito, people buy the art because they have simply fallen in love with it:
“What I love about Incognito is its equality of opportunity. Every artist has the same chance of getting their picture featured. So, whether you’re a household name or starting out in art school, it is what you create, and not who you are, that’s important. I love the fact that people have a chance of buying the art because, at €65 a piece, it’s affordable. And, of course, I love the fact that it raises so much money for the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.
“This year, the total number of artists taking part is the highest that we have ever had, and we have lots of new and emerging artists. I think for most Incognito buyers, they’re not looking for a particular artist’s work. Rather, they go in for a browse and select something that they have simply fallen in love with. Of course, that’s not to say that there aren’t some who have their heart set on unmasking their favourite artist. If this is you, then my advice is to first get a good handle on their signature styles and any telltale brush strokes! Then search through the Incognito art collection from top to bottom and see how good a detective you are!”
State of the Art
For Deirdre Walsh, CEO of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, the support of the art community and the wider public in raising vital funds for its work is crucial for the 400 families currently receiving in-home nursing care and respite support:
“This year once again we are amazed at the high standard of art by Incognito artists and the diverse selection of styles. Artists love being part of the excitement that is Incognito and want to help raise money for Jack and Jill, and we are incredibly grateful to them for their support.
“The Incognito art sale quite literally turns art into a currency for care. The funds raised through Incognito 2024 will translate into vital in-home nursing care, respite support and end-of-life care for over 400 families who are caring for children, up to the age of six years, across Ireland. Thanks so much to the Incognito art buyers for their unwavering support. We simply couldn’t do what we do, without you.”
To register for Incognito, visit www.incognito.ie, and to check out the work of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, visit www.jackandjill.ie. Follow all the latest Incognito developments on Facebook at www.facebook.com/2024incognito #Art4Care #Incognito2024
