If you're in the market to buy some art, you could do worse than take a stroll down Grafton Street today. Artist Patrick O'Reilly has donned a brown shopkeeper's coat and set up a rather unusual stall, complete with a neat sign saying "Art - £2.99 A Yard". It's no joke either - he has indeed canvases for sale by the yard, which will be rolled up and presented to you in a bag. Or, alternatively, why not go for a signed sculpture at only 99 pence a go - they may look like bars of chocolate or cans of beans but, oh no, they too are art.
Patrick explained that the stall is not a money-making venture but rather a slightly mischievous comment. He has noticed that some very good art is being passed over in favour of something that has a label or a strong investment potential. As he points out: "My stall will be offering art with a very strong label - the canvas is signed all over by me so you're certainly getting a very big name. As for the investment side, well if it's only costing you £2.99 that would suggest a very good return for your money."
He also points out that this method of buying art is ideal for those who buy paintings to fit in with their sofa or blinds - the "I need a painting exactly two yards long, please" brigade. Playing shopkeeper for the day will certainly make a change from Patrick's activities last weekend, when he was invited to the Le Miroir de L'Art ball in Pavillon Ledoyen in Paris. The ball was in aid of the Tel Aviv art museum and Patrick was one of the artists asked to contribute a piece of art for an art auction.
It was a fairly high-profile event, as you would expect when the organising committee includes names like Sonya Rykiel, Anouk Aimee and Olimpia de Rothschild, and the evening was sponsored by Sothebys. Patrick's work held up well against such renowned French artists as Arman and Daniel Buran. Although Ms Rykiel could be seen bidding furiously for it, it was bought in the end by the Tel Aviv museum foundation itself for a considerable sum. So hurry on down to Patrick's stall and buy yourself a piece of art before the museums grab the lot.