Print of Michael Collins in a pink suit with shopping bags ruffles Rebel feathers

Fiona Frawley

A print of Michael Collins wearing a pink suit and hat

The image, which was allegedly used to promote an upcoming retail event in Dublin hasn’t gone down well with West Corkonians.

The Southern Star have caused a stir by sharing a print of Michael Collins, edited to show the freedom fighter in a hot pink suit carrying Dior and Chanel shopping bags in either hand.

In a post on Facebook, the publication said the image was being used to promote a retail event in Dublin and asked its readers for their take on it.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=610560934408269&set=a.462812032516494&type=3

With the Star being a Cork publication, it’s not too surprising that reader response ranges from mild disgust to unfiltered outrage, with some calling to boycott the event.

One person wrote: “Absolutely offensive and a mockery to a great man”. Another said: “They should be ashamed of themselves, completely disrespecting the Big Fella and all he achieved for the country they live in”.

While this is the sentiment echoed in the majority of the comments, some have referenced the revolutionary leader’s ‘notorious’ sense of humour, suggesting that he probably wouldn’t have had an issue with the print.

“I’m sure he’d laugh at it himself, he was a notorious joker”, one reader suggested.

‘Duty Free State’, image via Damn Fine Print

The print, which is called ‘Duty Free State’ is by Dublin-based artist Will St. Leger, who is known for his “iconic and though provoking street art”.

Leger says the print is an ‘aspirational piece of work’, and a lighthearted take on how Collins may have spent his life if he’d had more time after the Civil War.

Committed volunteers like Collins never got leisure time, bonuses, holidays or luxury goods. They dedicated their waking hours to defeating their oppressors so others could be set free…

Liberty should never be considered a luxury, it is a fundamental human right. If Michael had more time after the Civil war, he might have travelled the world, he might have married his sweetheart or raised a family. We might have spotted him striding down the street, shopping bags in hand after buying something nice for himself or girlfriend. My screen print, ‘Duty Free State’ is an aspirational piece of work about a man who missed so much because he cared too much.

The artist added that because of men and women like Collins, he has the freedom to satirise such icons “without fear of restriction or the threat of imprisonment and for that I’m grateful”.

The print is available to purchase from Damn Fine Print, an artist-run studio based in Stoneybatter, Dublin 7.

What are your thoughts on the yassified Michael Collins? A step too far or a harmless, tongue-in-cheek tribute to a leading figure who died too soon? Maybe he’d have been more of a high street shopper, who can say. Either way, the piece has certainly got people talking.

Header image via Damn Fine Print & Will St. Leger