Be in the Frame with Jack and Jill
4th April 2024
It was a game of hide and seek like no other at the launch of Incognito, Ireland’s biggest online art sale in aid of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, which took place this morning at Dublin’s RHA Gallery.
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.”
Among the Incognito artists at the event playing catch me if you can were artist and former RTÉ Live at Three presenter Thelma Mansfield, RTÉ Home of the Year judge and architect Hugh Wallace, fashion designer Don O’Neill, Radio Nova stars PJ Gallagher and Jim McCabe, portrait artist Rae Perry, landscape artist Cora Murphy, and President of the RHA, Abigail O’Brien.
What makes Incognito so special is that buyers have absolutely no idea of the artist behind their chosen artwork, until after the sale has closed. Among the stars taking part in 2024 are iconic model and actress, Jerry Hall, comedian Colin Murphy, fashion designers Helen Steele, Heidi Higgins and Simone Rocha, milliner Philip Treacy, jewellery designer Chupi Sweetman and singer Brian Kennedy.
With more than 1,200 artists lending their support to Incognito this year, some of the well-known names who have taken up their brushes for a great cause include Martin Mooney, Bridget Flinn, Martin Gale, Fergus Martin and Ruthie Ashenhurst.
For Incognito curator, Lucinda Hall, when it comes to Incognito, people buy the art because they have simply fallen in love with it: “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!”
Monies raised from Incognito will support the work of Jack and Jill, a nationwide charity that funds and provides in-home nursing care and respite support to families caring for children, up to the age of six, with complex medical needs. These may include children with brain injury, a genetic diagnosis, cerebral palsy and undiagnosed conditions. Another key part of the service is end-of-life-care for all children up to the age of six, irrespective of diagnosis. Jack and Jill currently supports over 400 children in communities across the country.
Now in its eighth year, Incognito 2024 sees over 3,300 original postcard-size artworks priced at €65, no matter who the artist is, on show at www.incognito.ie. Buyers will have three weeks to peruse and pick their favourite pieces before the sale goes live on Wednesday, April 24.
