'Danu' Print by Aches x DJ Próvaí of Kneecap

Artist: Aches (in collaboration with DJ Próvaí, KNEECAP)
Full colour Archival Giclée print on 305gsm Copper House Photo Rag, signed and dated by both on the front.
A3

Created following a conversation with DJ Provaí of KNEECAP, this work by Aches reinterprets the mythological Irish figure Danu through a contemporary lens. Painted using cyan, magenta, yellow, and black spray paint, the piece mimics the halftone printing process while celebrating the mark-making qualities of graffiti, with visible drips, overspray, and variation in each dot. Up close, the painting reveals a field of abstract colour and texture, however from a distance, these points converge into the image of Danu as a modern Irish woman - embodying strength, creativity, and renewal. The background's lush greenery and warm orange sunset echo the colours of the Irish flag and DJ Provaí's iconic balaclava, linking ancient myth to contemporary Irish culture. Through this synthesis of digital technique, graffiti, and folklore, Aches explores how Ireland's visual identity continues to evolve between tradition and modern expression.

Aches is a Dublin-based Irish artist, specialising in large scale murals and Graffiti. Born in 1992, he started drawing and painting at a young age and began to paint graffiti when he was 15 years old. After graduating from NCAD with a degree in Visual Communications, Aches began to fuse his knowledge of Graphic Design and Graffiti. Aches has been invited to design and create original artwork for projects around the world, in countries such as Denmark, Hungary, Spain, Sweden, Scotland, Austria, Switzerland, and England. After a decade of painting outdoors, Aches’ artistic practice is now shared in equal balance between contemporary murals and studio work.