A new artwork by artist Joe Caslin to celebrate inspirational alumni role models has been unveiled by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

The artwork entitled 'Alumni – Connecting and Inspiring' captures portraits of the seven recipients of the 2024 RCSI Alumni Awards in black and white, using geometric shapes, gold leaf and interconnecting circles to interweave their images.

Measuring more than 45 square metres, the large-scale mural has been installed on the wall overlooking the foyer of 123 St Stephen’s Green at the university’s Dublin city centre campus.

Joe Caslin’s concept was selected from several submissions received in response to a commissioning brief issued by RCSI Art Committee in summer 2024. Joe, who is widely regarded for his street art, drew upon a site visit to RCSI and from reading the biographies and interviews with the awardees. Combining this inspiration with his own interest in stained glass window design, Joe aimed to create a mural that serves as a medium for storytelling.

The alumni featured, Dr Dearbhaile Collins, Dr Ibtesam Al-Bastaki, Ciarán Lanigan, Dr Caroline Bee Leng Low, Professor Kieran Murphy, Dr Michelle Flood and Majella O'Reilly, were recognised at the RCSI 2024 Alumni Awards ceremony which took place on Friday, 18 October.

Unity and oneness

Describing his work, Joe said: “Each awardee is represented in a charcoal portrait that sits within a line drawing of a gothic rosette window – a frame inspired by the biography of each individual. Gothic rose windows graced the facades of cathedrals, churches and seats of learning and often told the stories of important people to local communities.”

He added: “The portraits are presented in black and white, while the gold leaf shapes found in the hand-drawn overlays are specific to each awardee. The shapes selected represent relentless pursuit, passion, unity, order, strength, commonality and oneness.”

Huge contribution

Ms Aíne Gibbons, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Chair of RCSI Art Committee, added: “The Art Committee selection panel was impressed by Joe's innovative concept, which is a contemporary nod to RCSI’s rich tradition of stained-glass windows including those that feature in the Albert Lecture Theatre, President’s Office and outside the library in 26 York Street.

“'Alumni – Connecting and Inspiring' celebrates the seven alumni awardees for 2024 nominated by their classmates to be honoured by RCSI for their achievements. From founding a charitable organisation to pioneering a virtual rehabilitation programme – our awardees personify RCSI's values, and by displaying their portraits and telling their stories we are reflecting the breadth of alumni who contribute so significantly to the success of RCSI. The mural is a testament to the pride and gratitude RCSI has for its graduates worldwide.”

You can learn more about art and the cultural heritage of RCSI here.