Arts Thread

Cathal Mac Hale
Visual Communication BDes

National College of Art and Design

Specialisms: Film & Animation / Graphic Design / Digital Design

Location: Dublin, Ireland

Cathal ArtsThread Profile
National College of Art and Design

Cathal Mac Hale

Cathal Mac Hale ArtsThread Profile

First Name: Cathal

Last Name: Mac Hale

Specialisms: Film & Animation / Graphic Design / Digital Design

Sectors:

My Location: Dublin, Ireland

University / College: National College of Art and Design

Course / Program Title: Visual Communication BDes

About

My name is Cathal and I am an interdisciplinary Irish artist and designer, my work consists of animation, motion graphics, branding design and visual storytelling, amongst many more. My diverse range of work is inspired by my time living abroad in Valencia Spain and in Veneto Italy, as well as my wide range of influences such as the Mcloughlin Brothers, Alberto Mielgo amongst many others. I have worked alongside many talented musicians, Making album art, music videos promotional videos and more.

My interest in history stems from a personal connection: My great uncle’s death in 1916 during WWI, and my brother’s research into Irish lives during the great war. My great uncle is commemorated by one of over 72,000 names on the Thiepval Memorial in Northern France. He, like many other Royal Dublin Fusiliers, left little to no trace behind. Now, my brother’s research into forgotten Irish lives inspires me to bring their stories to light through moving image. Using a mix of archival footage and modern colorful animation, the intention is to contrast the youthful innocence of those lost with the harsh reality they faced. Focus is on an 18 year old Christopher Mitchell, the very first soldier of the 10th Battalion of the Royal Dublin Fusilier to die. Through this body of work, I hope to rekindle an interest in these overlooked stories, ensuring they’re never forgotten.