We Should Talk

Carlow Town

“We Should Talk” is a typographic public artwork by Paul Byrne, created in collaboration with a local barbershop in Carlow Town. Positioned to face a busy junction, the piece uses a simple, direct message to prompt reflection and encourage conversation around mental health within the everyday flow of the town. By situating the work within a familiar and highly visible setting, the project brings an often-sensitive topic into public view in a way that feels accessible and non-confrontational.

The work builds on the role of text-based art as a quiet but persistent intervention in shared space, offering a moment of pause for passersby. Its placement within a community hub such as a barbershop reinforces the importance of informal, everyday conversations as entry points for support and connection. Through its clarity and visibility, “We Should Talk” contributes to ongoing efforts to reduce stigma and normalise open dialogue around mental wellbeing at a local level.