Unwoke Person: Irish Times Quote on Controversial Figure

Graham Knuttel: The “brat” Who Painted the Celtic Tiger

Graham Knuttel, the irish artist who became synonymous with the Celtic Tiger era, lived a life as vibrant and unrestrained as the canvases he filled. He passed away in May 2023 at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of bold art and even bolder personality.

“He was a brat,” says his wife, Ruth Mathers, with a mix of affection and longing. “I think people gravitated towards Graham as he was such a brat. He could be a little bit bold.”

mathers recalls Knuttel’s uncanny ability too connect with strangers, turning chance encounters in pubs and restaurants into impromptu parties back at their home, sometimes even dancing on the kitchen table. These encounters often blossomed into friendships,and sometimes,sales of his distinctive paintings. “These people seemed to find him in a room in a minute,” Mathers remembers. “Graham was the best fun human being I have ever met. And yes, torturous at times.”

Knuttel’s irreverence extended to celebrities as well.Sylvester Stallone, a notable collector of his work, was once told by Knuttel, “I have canvases that aren’t as stretched as your face.” A line that, as Mathers points out, would likely get anyone else “fecked out on their ear.”

His Facebook page, announcing his death, stated that he “engaged in life as he engaged in his art – that is to say, boldly