Trail Challenge
Explore Portsmouth's hidden treasures!
Discover international street artist ‘My Dog Sighs’ murals dotted across the city. Download and use (for free) the What3Words app to help you locate the POI (points of interest). Click on the Google map below for further info.
Create your own social media posts of each POI and share with us using the hashtag #MyDogSighsTrail
Discover international street artist ‘My Dog Sighs’ murals dotted across the city. Download and use (for free) the What3Words app to help you locate the POI (points of interest). Click on the Google map below for further info.
Create your own social media posts of each POI and share with us using the hashtag #MyDogSighsTrail
Seekers teamed up with Highbury College to offer their 'Travel & Tourism' students the opportunity to work with Seekers Creative Director Clair Martin, to design a trail throughout the ‘My Dog Sighs’ street art murals across Portsmouth.
My Dog Sighs is fast becoming an important figure on the contemporary art scene. MDS spray paints images of eyes, stickmen and weird looking birds on buildings and walls across Portsmouth and the world.
After 10 years of giving his art away for free as part of the now infamous Free Art Friday project, My Dog Sighs has this year finally found himself strapped in to a well-deserved meteoric rise. With an incredible international following in Israel, Japan and of course the UK, five sold out shows under his belt, and a strong following of staunchly loyal fans on social media
Seekers team have been busy linking each mural to the ‘what 3 words’ location app and have created a hashtag #MyDogSighsTrail to map their progress across social media platforms. The team researched and identified points of interest (POI) with the aim to help encourage public engagement with locals and visitors to a variety of areas around Portsmouth.
Seekers ran a Walkshop around Hilsea Lido so the team could get to get to know each other. They looked at the ‘My Dog Sighs’ mural and the site in general, and found out more information about Seekers work in the community. Students got to experience Seekers predesigned trail route from Hilsea Lido to Tipner to inspire them.
The team created a 'My Dog Sighs Trail' Facebook group to share research and ideas. The team worked together to create some stunning graphics of points of interest using photos they found or created.
11. Wilder Portsmouth
The Southsea artist My Dog Sighs supported the Wilder Portsmouth campaign led by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust by painting a unique piece of artwork entitled 'wild thing'. This painting is the latest addition to the Wilder Portsmouth project which aims to encourage more people to get involved in bringing nature back to the city.
It shows My Dog Sighs characteristic stick man carrying a clutch of bird boxes, depicting one of the many ways you can get involved in making your patch of the city a little wilder.
The Portsmouth Carers Centre, Orchard Road, is amongst the many supporters of the Wilder Portsmouth initiative in this area and it is hoped that by adding this mural in such a prominent spot on the building it will help spread the Wilder Portsmouth message to more residents of the city.
Wilder Portsmouth is a partnership project between the Southern Co-op and the Wildlife Trust. The focus of this jointly funded initiative is around encouraging people to take action to create and enhance wild spaces where they live.
It is essential that we increase the space for wildlife and help make the natural world an important part of people's lives.
Anyone who is interested in getting involved in supporting a wilder Portsmouth can get in touch at [email protected]
To find more information about Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and their vision for a wilder Hampshire & Isle of Wight visit hiwwt.org.uk/wilder-hampshire-wight
It shows My Dog Sighs characteristic stick man carrying a clutch of bird boxes, depicting one of the many ways you can get involved in making your patch of the city a little wilder.
The Portsmouth Carers Centre, Orchard Road, is amongst the many supporters of the Wilder Portsmouth initiative in this area and it is hoped that by adding this mural in such a prominent spot on the building it will help spread the Wilder Portsmouth message to more residents of the city.
Wilder Portsmouth is a partnership project between the Southern Co-op and the Wildlife Trust. The focus of this jointly funded initiative is around encouraging people to take action to create and enhance wild spaces where they live.
It is essential that we increase the space for wildlife and help make the natural world an important part of people's lives.
Anyone who is interested in getting involved in supporting a wilder Portsmouth can get in touch at [email protected]
To find more information about Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and their vision for a wilder Hampshire & Isle of Wight visit hiwwt.org.uk/wilder-hampshire-wight
7. Giant Everyman
This piece, created by My Dog Sighs, is located at the Somerstown Community Centre that spans Winston Churchill Avenue. This amazing building contains a community café, many large rooms for various activities , a sports hall, a dance studio, an IT suite, the local youth club (Brooke Club), the local doctors and a specialist dentist. It is open 7 days a week and offers a wide range of actives that can be done from as young as 1 to those who have retired.
What3Words Location ///item.dairy.flows
What3Words Location ///item.dairy.flows
6. Phone Your Mum (she worries)
Benefits of walking in nature
Walking in nature can clear your hear by staying refreshed and focus . It has been proven before in Environmental science and technology study , improved mental health is also long lasting.
Spending time in green space or brining nature into your everyday life can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing .
Being in nature can help your mind to be mindful and listen to what’s around you and be distracted from everything else.
Walking is an exercise when you exercise you release endorphins which is a chemical in your brain that makes you feel good and happy !
Spending time in nature can reduce anxiety and depression. There was a study published in PNAS in 2015 which found that people who walked for 90 minutes in green parts rather than near a highway it showed that there brains were more calmer and paid less attention to negative aspects of their lives .
Walking in nature can clear your hear by staying refreshed and focus . It has been proven before in Environmental science and technology study , improved mental health is also long lasting.
Spending time in green space or brining nature into your everyday life can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing .
Being in nature can help your mind to be mindful and listen to what’s around you and be distracted from everything else.
Walking is an exercise when you exercise you release endorphins which is a chemical in your brain that makes you feel good and happy !
Spending time in nature can reduce anxiety and depression. There was a study published in PNAS in 2015 which found that people who walked for 90 minutes in green parts rather than near a highway it showed that there brains were more calmer and paid less attention to negative aspects of their lives .
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15. Albert Road, Southsea
This mural painted by my dog sighs is located on 24 albert road on the shutters of Ihelp gadget repairs.It is visible when the shop is shut which is after 4pm on weekdays, 2pm on saturdays and all day sunday.
The mural is a single eye with the kings theatre in the reflection.The kings theatre which is only 1 minute away from the mural has been a popular performing arts theatre for 110 years. It was designed by architect Frank Matcham and it opened on 30 september, 1907.Stanley baxter and James cordon are some of the famous faces that have performed there.
Here is a precise what3words address for the location of the mural:
https://w3w.co/ledge.kings.tins
The mural is a single eye with the kings theatre in the reflection.The kings theatre which is only 1 minute away from the mural has been a popular performing arts theatre for 110 years. It was designed by architect Frank Matcham and it opened on 30 september, 1907.Stanley baxter and James cordon are some of the famous faces that have performed there.
Here is a precise what3words address for the location of the mural:
https://w3w.co/ledge.kings.tins
I wanna Be Yours
John Cooper Clarke eyes
Located Just north of the Cascades Shopping Centre. In the centre of the eyes you can see John Cooper Clarke on stage performing his song I Wanna Be Yours .This mural was commissioned by Portsmouth Poetry and supported by Portsmouth City Council. The mural celebrates John Cooper Clarke's visit to the city as part of Portsmouth Festivities 2016.
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John Cooper Clarke is an English performance poet, who first became famous as a "punk poet" in the late 1970s. Around this time, he performed on stage with several punk and post-punk bands and continues to perform regularly.
Some points of interest around the mural:
1. St Agatha's Church- It was built in 1838 for the Church of England and is now affiliated to the roman catholic church.
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2. Portsmouth historic dockyard- this point of interest is a 6min drive away from the mural. The Dockyard is the UK’s premier destination for naval history. Here you will find the HMS Victory, the Mary Rose Museum, HMS Warrior 1860, and the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
Below is a link to a website with information about the history of the dockyard:
https://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/about history-of-the-dockyard
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3. Cascades shopping centre- it was built in 1987 and opened in September 1989. Cascades has a wide range of over 50 stores and receives approximately 185,000 - 230,000 shoppers each week!
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Located Just north of the Cascades Shopping Centre. In the centre of the eyes you can see John Cooper Clarke on stage performing his song I Wanna Be Yours .This mural was commissioned by Portsmouth Poetry and supported by Portsmouth City Council. The mural celebrates John Cooper Clarke's visit to the city as part of Portsmouth Festivities 2016.
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John Cooper Clarke is an English performance poet, who first became famous as a "punk poet" in the late 1970s. Around this time, he performed on stage with several punk and post-punk bands and continues to perform regularly.
Some points of interest around the mural:
1. St Agatha's Church- It was built in 1838 for the Church of England and is now affiliated to the roman catholic church.
///tasty.expert.dined
2. Portsmouth historic dockyard- this point of interest is a 6min drive away from the mural. The Dockyard is the UK’s premier destination for naval history. Here you will find the HMS Victory, the Mary Rose Museum, HMS Warrior 1860, and the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
Below is a link to a website with information about the history of the dockyard:
https://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/about history-of-the-dockyard
///grin.tools.palm
3. Cascades shopping centre- it was built in 1987 and opened in September 1989. Cascades has a wide range of over 50 stores and receives approximately 185,000 - 230,000 shoppers each week!
///backed.richer.sudden
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22. Southsea Model Village
This mural is located at the Southsea model village.
https://w3w.co/mental.wake.called
The model village is a 1\2 scale village built in 1965.The entry fee cost £4 per adult and £3 per child. There are various attractions less than a mile away from the mural.
Here is a short video of the model village:
https://youtu.be/3-eSNuBclc0
1.canoe lake - a popular park dating back to 1886, there are pedal boats available for hire and a very popular children's play area.
Https://w3w.co/central.thirst.obstruct
2. South parade pier - the pier stands in the centre of Portsmouth's stunning 4 mile coastline. On the pier, there is a selection of restaurants and food stalls as well as an arcade if you are in the mood for some fun.
https://w3w.co/onions.handed.poster
3. Rock gardens- the rock gardens offers a stunning view and is a great chance to explore with the family.
https://w3w.co/retire.transit.tube
https://w3w.co/mental.wake.called
The model village is a 1\2 scale village built in 1965.The entry fee cost £4 per adult and £3 per child. There are various attractions less than a mile away from the mural.
Here is a short video of the model village:
https://youtu.be/3-eSNuBclc0
1.canoe lake - a popular park dating back to 1886, there are pedal boats available for hire and a very popular children's play area.
Https://w3w.co/central.thirst.obstruct
2. South parade pier - the pier stands in the centre of Portsmouth's stunning 4 mile coastline. On the pier, there is a selection of restaurants and food stalls as well as an arcade if you are in the mood for some fun.
https://w3w.co/onions.handed.poster
3. Rock gardens- the rock gardens offers a stunning view and is a great chance to explore with the family.
https://w3w.co/retire.transit.tube
16. Quiet Little Voices
My Dog Sighs 'Inside' Art Exhibition
INSIDE (We Shelter Here Sometimes). An immersive installation by acclaimed British street artist 'My Dog Sighs' taking place in an undisclosed location in Portsmouth.
Inside is My Dog Sighs’ most ambitious project to date, transforming a derelict building into an immersive world inhabited by the artist’s own creatures, dubbed his ‘Quiet Little Voices’.
Like us, these creatures are not perfect nor are their lives perfect. They struggle, they make mistakes, they fail. But like us too, they don’t give up. Even among the decay they use their creativity to find hope – a powerful message in these turbulent times.
Street artists are often perceived as ghosts, with only the results of their endeavours visible to the world. My Dog Sighs takes these creatures, that started life as scribbled doodles in the margins of his sketchbooks and uses them to represent different facets of his life. Replacing himself with these beings as a representation of his inner ‘Quiet Little Voices’, they embody a range of emotions from playful to melancholic.
For the first time, My Dog Sighs moves into sculpture, fusing his visual language with light and sound installations, alongside the photorealistic paintings and naïve characters that define his practice. No longer is the artist the creator, but his creations take on the mantle of ‘My Dog Sighs’ and as viewers we are welcomed ‘Inside’ the world of these ghosts.
The anthropomorphic creatures have been given free rein to take over the multi-storey space, finding shelter and creating their own language amongst the dimly lit corners. Inside responds to the building itself and finds beauty amongst its dilapidated floors and crumbling walls. The project extends My Dog Sighs’ street art practice where he uncovers the beauty of these forgotten spaces and demonstrates the power of creativity to inspire and uplift communities.
The artist has worked closely with both sound experts from Portsmouth University and a renowned creative lighting company to create a unique and immersive street art experience.
Inside is My Dog Sighs’ most ambitious project to date, transforming a derelict building into an immersive world inhabited by the artist’s own creatures, dubbed his ‘Quiet Little Voices’.
Like us, these creatures are not perfect nor are their lives perfect. They struggle, they make mistakes, they fail. But like us too, they don’t give up. Even among the decay they use their creativity to find hope – a powerful message in these turbulent times.
Street artists are often perceived as ghosts, with only the results of their endeavours visible to the world. My Dog Sighs takes these creatures, that started life as scribbled doodles in the margins of his sketchbooks and uses them to represent different facets of his life. Replacing himself with these beings as a representation of his inner ‘Quiet Little Voices’, they embody a range of emotions from playful to melancholic.
For the first time, My Dog Sighs moves into sculpture, fusing his visual language with light and sound installations, alongside the photorealistic paintings and naïve characters that define his practice. No longer is the artist the creator, but his creations take on the mantle of ‘My Dog Sighs’ and as viewers we are welcomed ‘Inside’ the world of these ghosts.
The anthropomorphic creatures have been given free rein to take over the multi-storey space, finding shelter and creating their own language amongst the dimly lit corners. Inside responds to the building itself and finds beauty amongst its dilapidated floors and crumbling walls. The project extends My Dog Sighs’ street art practice where he uncovers the beauty of these forgotten spaces and demonstrates the power of creativity to inspire and uplift communities.
The artist has worked closely with both sound experts from Portsmouth University and a renowned creative lighting company to create a unique and immersive street art experience.
My Dog Sighs - Inside Street Art Exhibition.
INSIDE (We Shelter Here Sometimes). An immersive installation by acclaimed British street artist 'My Dog Sighs' took place in an old Casino located in Portsmouth.
Inside is My Dog Sighs’ most ambitious project to date, transforming a derelict building into an immersive world inhabited by the artist’s own creatures, dubbed his ‘Quiet Little Voices’.
Earlier in the summer a few Seeker's were lucky enough to visit My Dog Sighs beautiful exhibition. Part of the group were Clarke and Steve Baker. This is what Clarke had to say about his experience.
Inside is My Dog Sighs’ most ambitious project to date, transforming a derelict building into an immersive world inhabited by the artist’s own creatures, dubbed his ‘Quiet Little Voices’.
Earlier in the summer a few Seeker's were lucky enough to visit My Dog Sighs beautiful exhibition. Part of the group were Clarke and Steve Baker. This is what Clarke had to say about his experience.
Since loosing my sight I haven't really been to a major art exhibition or gallery, ie Tate modern. As audio description never does justice to the art that you can see. For me the connection with what the artist has made is rarely articulated with the passion by audio description, which has put me off from visiting major artists exhibitions.
So this was my first time in ten years that I was excited about a visual experience, in a creative world, as I knew I had a fellow creative in Steve Baker describing with passion what My Dog Sighs ‘Inside’ exhibition was about. And I was not disappointed. But first let me describe how I saw the exhibition. First through my nose, as the building had that old decay smell. Musty odour of decades of neglect. Then my stick, feeling the different textures moving from spongy old carpets, to hard flooring. As I navigated a space that I had no memory of. Even though I have lived in Portsmouth, the old ball room was always closed. Feeling against the wall with my fingers, the building seemed an art piece in itself, with flaking old paint, to opulent wallpaper. That, in its hay day was probably lush velvet in touch. But now only a ghost remains with harsh edges and dampness.
So this was my first time in ten years that I was excited about a visual experience, in a creative world, as I knew I had a fellow creative in Steve Baker describing with passion what My Dog Sighs ‘Inside’ exhibition was about. And I was not disappointed. But first let me describe how I saw the exhibition. First through my nose, as the building had that old decay smell. Musty odour of decades of neglect. Then my stick, feeling the different textures moving from spongy old carpets, to hard flooring. As I navigated a space that I had no memory of. Even though I have lived in Portsmouth, the old ball room was always closed. Feeling against the wall with my fingers, the building seemed an art piece in itself, with flaking old paint, to opulent wallpaper. That, in its hay day was probably lush velvet in touch. But now only a ghost remains with harsh edges and dampness.
We followed the group with my hand on Steve’s shoulder to guide me to the first floor, into Aladdin's cave and then it began, straight away. The description of the doors to enter the exhibition. The feel of them through words. I got a sense of wonder as we entered.
My eyes could only see mist not much light. Only light from two portals in the middle of the exhibition.
Steve’s voice mingled with the strange noises coming from the sculptures as he narrated, not just the art, but the surroundings. Giving me a full perspective of our environment. Allowing me to visualise the old ballroom with its large dome like roof, flaking with old paint and a glitter ball.
We could've been in the room for hours. We both bounced back conversations from the installation that was being described. That in itself was an audio installation between the two of us. My Dog Sighs mentioned how interesting it was to hear his work being examined through words.
We had to move on upstairs to the next floor, disappointed to leave this magical place. The atmosphere changed almost to normality as the lighting was normal. However, you still had the spongy old carpet to reassure yourself that it was the same building with peeling walls.
Steve and I took a different route. Finding little gems along the way. Every part of the building had been filled with mini installations, hidden inside the run down building. We came across a maze of toilet doors and our roles reversed. The blind person was now the one leading as a maze is navigated by touch. Every inch was covered in art, a memory of this place. We became part of it, as we left our mark on a huge chalkboard inside the maze.
To summarise, it was amazing to experience the exhibition in this way. I dream that all art should be described by someone who’s is as passionate about art las I am.
P.s I must take Steve to be my personal audio describer at every art exhibition lol.
My eyes could only see mist not much light. Only light from two portals in the middle of the exhibition.
Steve’s voice mingled with the strange noises coming from the sculptures as he narrated, not just the art, but the surroundings. Giving me a full perspective of our environment. Allowing me to visualise the old ballroom with its large dome like roof, flaking with old paint and a glitter ball.
We could've been in the room for hours. We both bounced back conversations from the installation that was being described. That in itself was an audio installation between the two of us. My Dog Sighs mentioned how interesting it was to hear his work being examined through words.
We had to move on upstairs to the next floor, disappointed to leave this magical place. The atmosphere changed almost to normality as the lighting was normal. However, you still had the spongy old carpet to reassure yourself that it was the same building with peeling walls.
Steve and I took a different route. Finding little gems along the way. Every part of the building had been filled with mini installations, hidden inside the run down building. We came across a maze of toilet doors and our roles reversed. The blind person was now the one leading as a maze is navigated by touch. Every inch was covered in art, a memory of this place. We became part of it, as we left our mark on a huge chalkboard inside the maze.
To summarise, it was amazing to experience the exhibition in this way. I dream that all art should be described by someone who’s is as passionate about art las I am.
P.s I must take Steve to be my personal audio describer at every art exhibition lol.
My Dog Sighs - Outside Street Art Feedback.
My Dog Sighs’ exhibition ‘Inside’ was a true phenomenon that made the idea of being inside, after months of isolation, an appealing thought! The immersive exhibition was rich with incredible art pieces, ranging from sculptures, to prints, to an interactive chalk wall for visitors to share their bubbling thoughts. This return to the world of art and physical exhibitions was truly one to remember through its unique, yet thoughtfully structured layout. The exhibition acts as a space that guides you, loses you, finds you, and enchants you all at once. ‘Inside’ makes you feel welcome, despite being so unaware of what is around every corner, or what is tucked away in the dimmer corners of the space…it embellishes the notion of coming home, a safe return from a venture through the unknown.
Issie Treacher, Photographer
Seekers had a great time at the 'Inside' exhibition. Heres a video of the team discussing their experience of the exhibition 'Outside' in a nearby alleyway.
Issie Treacher, Photographer
Seekers had a great time at the 'Inside' exhibition. Heres a video of the team discussing their experience of the exhibition 'Outside' in a nearby alleyway.
Nothing could have prepared me for what lay beyond the door to this wonderful experience. It was an entry into a magical immersive kingdom.. of light sound and art ...that touched my heart-soul. I felt it was all the better for being displayed in a disused semi derelict building.
Peeling, painted walls, discarded tin cans, salvaged items and waste were turned into cameos of the most thought provoking yet delightful art... and those eyes!
I even left my own marks in the maze.
My Dog Sighs vision and the whole team gave Southsea something new and innovative to enjoy and think about for a long time.
I longed for more.. and was delighted to see the video.. and relive the joy and whole experience once more. Next.. the book.. and who knows.. maybe a world wide experience.
Freya Perry, Artist
Peeling, painted walls, discarded tin cans, salvaged items and waste were turned into cameos of the most thought provoking yet delightful art... and those eyes!
I even left my own marks in the maze.
My Dog Sighs vision and the whole team gave Southsea something new and innovative to enjoy and think about for a long time.
I longed for more.. and was delighted to see the video.. and relive the joy and whole experience once more. Next.. the book.. and who knows.. maybe a world wide experience.
Freya Perry, Artist
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