Portsmouth artist My Dog Sighs set to 'brighten up' Hilsea with an eye-catching mural
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Portsmouth based street artist My Dog Sighs has begun his latest project - painting a mural on one of the walls by the Hilsea Lido - which he hopes will bring people 'cheer' amid the pandemic.
The piece, which will feature My Dogs Sighs' signature motif of reflective eyes, is due to be completed this week and will be part of the newly built sea defences protecting the north of the city.
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Hide AdIt will replace a previous mural by My Dog Sighs and city artist Fark from five years ago that had faded.
My Dog Sighs said: 'Covid has affected lots of people in so many ways. Usually I am working all over the place but lockdown has meant I've focused my work in Portsmouth and it's been really nice to get more involved locally. Recently I finished a commission on the side of the Queens Hotel in Southsea.
'I'm doing this to help people cheer up, I hope it brightens up the area.
'The Lido has been here forever, it's such a historic landmark in the city. The trust that runs it hasn't got a huge amount of money so of course I was happy to do it for free.
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Hide Ad'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.'
It comes as the artist has started a crowdfunding campaign to raise £50,000 for a 'local project,' the details of which are still under wraps, after funds from Arts Council England fell through during the pandemic.
Already fundraisers have donated £40,000 - in exchange for a range of gifts - with a further £2,000 topped up by Portsmouth City Council.
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Hide AdHe added: 'I started fundraising on Friday and thought it would take me a while to reach the target but within days we've almost hit it which is amazing and really exciting.'
The cost of the paints and materials used by My Dog Sighs has been covered by Knights Brown, the contractor for the sea defence scheme.
It is planned Hilsea Lido will not re-open until 2021.