It was a game of hide and seek like no other at the launch of Incognito, Ireland’s biggest online art sale in aid of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, which took place this morning at Dublin’s RHA Gallery. Among the Incognito artists at the event playing catch me if you can were artist and former RTÉ Live at Three presenter Thelma Mansfield, RTÉ Home of the Year judge and architect Hugh Wallace, fashion designer Don O’Neill, Radio Nova stars PJ Gallagher and Jim McCabe, portrait artist Rae Perry, landscape artist Cora Murphy, and President of the RHA, Abigail O’Brien.
What makes Incognito so special is that buyers have absolutely no idea of the artist behind their chosen artwork, until after the sale has closed. Among the stars taking part in 2024 are iconic model and actress, Jerry Hall, comedian Colin Murphy, fashion designers Helen Steele, Heidi Higgins and Simone Rocha, milliner Philip Treacy, jewellery designer Chupi Sweetman and singer Brian Kennedy.
With more than 1,200 artists lending their support to Incognito this year, some of the well-known names who have taken up their brushes for a great cause include Martin Mooney, Bridget Flinn, Martin Gale, Fergus Martin and Ruthie Ashenhurst.
Sean Daly takes pride of place
Pride of place at the launch was given to little Seán Daly (age 2), from Leixlip, and his siblings Laura (age 9) and Tom (age 6) who attended the launch with mum Emma and dad Mick. Seán was diagnosed with an extremely rare genetic condition shortly after birth and receives support from the Jack and Jill team, including Liaison Nurse Manager, June Foxton, who joined Seán and his family at the launch. For dad Mick, Jack and Jill offers much-needed peace of mind:
“Our little boy Seán has significant medical needs and requires round-the-clock care. We are extremely grateful for the peace of mind our Jack and Jill nurses give us, knowing that Seán is being looked after by nursing experts. It is great to have those few hours to focus on other parts of home life, like spending time with Seán’s siblings, Laura and Tom, or even to get practical things done, like the groceries, all the time knowing that Seán is safe and under the best possible care. We are delighted to support Incognito and really want to thank all the artists who have generously shared their time, and their talents, to help raise funds to support this vital service for families like ours.”
How to take part in incognito 2024
Step 1 – Create your account on the Incognito website at www.incognito.ie
Step 2 – Browse the complete collection and compile your wishlist by 8am on Wednesday, April 24. Random selection applies on sale day when you can secure up to three of your favourite pieces
Step 3 – Sit back, relax, and watch the excitement unfold as the sale goes live on Wednesday, April 24 after 10am. For those lucky purchasers, all will soon be revealed as to who the mystery artist is behind your work of art!
For more information about Jack and Jill, and to find out more about how we support families all across Ireland, please visit www.jackandjill.ie
