Hoaretraits Ep. 3: Zeitgeist Irland 24 artist Robert Mirolo

Hoaretraits is a new series by photographer and podcaster Neil Hoare, that presents contemporary Irish artists that are part of Zeitgeist Irland 24 – the year’s cultural programme of contemporary arts from Culture Ireland and the Embassy of Ireland in Germany. Conceived of by Hoare as ‘audio portraits’, the podcasts explore themes of creativity, imagination and craft in conversation a diverse range of Irish artists living in both Ireland and Germany.

For Episode 3, Neil Hoare talks with Robert Mirolo, an Irish illustrator and musician based in Berlin. His work is characterized by bold, abstract shapes and symbolic imagery, appearing in concert posters, album covers, and various publications. Mirolo’s visual style combines playful abstraction with deeper explorations of identity and culture. In addition to his illustration work, he is a member of the experimental psych-rock band SSMMÜTT, which mixes improvisation and high-energy performances. Mirolo is also a member of the bands Onion Boys and Lemongrab. Onion Boys brought their unique brand of theatrical punk and rock ‘n’ roll on tour through Germany in Spring 2024 as part of Zeitgeist Irland 24.

Podcaster Neil Hoare is a multidisciplinary Irish artist living in Berlin with his dog Púca. His most recent photographic work ‘A Heimat away from Home’ is a series of portraits commissioned by the Embassy of Ireland in Germany documenting the Irish who made Germany their home since Ireland joined the EU 50 years ago. The experience of photographing so many people across Germany and hearing their stories led directly to the creation of Hoaretraits.