Merrion Square

IT IS BY DANNY OSBORNE AND THERE ARE THREE DISTINCT ELEMENTS

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As it was St Patrick’s Day I decided to wander around the city centre but I was constrained by security restrictions and eventually ended up at Merrion Square which was relaxing and peaceful compared to the rest of the city centre. As I was in the square I took the opportunity to photograph Oscar Wilde on the rock – I like the resulting photographs but I did have problems with lens flare which is discussed in detail below.

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The Three Statues

The central figure is a larger-than-life statue of Oscar Wilde himself. He’s portrayed in a relaxed, lounging pose atop a large quartz boulder. The sculpture is notable for its use of vibrantly coloured stones – Oscar’s jacket is carved from green jade, his collar and cuffs from pink thulite, and his trousers a shimmering blue pearl granite.

Wilde is flanked by two smaller bronze statues. One is a nude male torso representing Dionysus, the Greek god of revelry and festivity. The other is a female torso, symbolising Constance, Wilde’s wife.

Symbolism Behind The Materials Used

Quartz Boulder: The large quartz boulder beneath Wilde serves several purposes:

Elevation: It lifts Wilde off the ground, showcasing him in a position of prominence.
Natural Element: Quartz offers a contrast to the highly polished stones of the sculptures, perhaps hinting at the rough, untamed aspects of Wilde’s life and the natural world.
Irish Connection: Quartz is found in Ireland, adding a subtle connection to the country.
Colourful Stones: The vibrant materials used for Wilde’s sculpture hold meaning:

Green Nephrite Jade (Jacket): Jade is associated with wisdom, serenity, and good luck – perhaps a wish for Wilde’s afterlife or an acknowledgement of his artistic wisdom.
Pink Thulite (Collar & Cuffs): Thulite is linked to passion, creativity, and expressiveness, all qualities Wilde possessed.
Blue Pearl Granite (Trousers): This suggests stability and strength, qualities he might have wished for amidst his life’s turmoil.
Bronze: The bronze figures of Dionysus and his wife Constance offer different interpretations:

Classical Association: Bronze links the figures to the artistic traditions of ancient Greece and Rome, a world Wilde admired.
Durability: Bronze is enduring and can weather the elements, mirroring the lasting legacy of both Wilde and his wife.

Overall Intent

Artist Danny Osborne aimed to create a sense of duality within the memorial. The colourful stones reflect Wilde’s flamboyant and witty personality, while the bronze and boulder hint at the complexities, struggles, and enduring impact of his life and work.

The Location Is Significant

Merrion Square is a significant Georgian Square in Dublin, but its connection to Wilde goes deeper. The installation is positioned directly across from Wilde’s childhood home, adding a layer of personal resonance to the memorial.

Danny Osborne

The sculptor responsible for this unique installation is Danny Osborne. He’s known for his use of semi-precious stones and his emphasis on creating accessible public art.

There Is Much Symbolism

Wilde’s Persona: The colourful materials and relaxed pose reflect Wilde’s flamboyant personality, his wit, and his appreciation for beauty.
Personal Struggles: The inclusion of Dionysus and the female torso hint at the duality of Wilde’s life – the public persona of wit and pleasure contrasted with the private struggles of his sexuality and societal pressures.
Return Home: The memorial’s placement across from Wilde’s childhood residence can be interpreted as a symbolic homecoming, a return to the city of his birth.

It Is A Major Tourist Attraction

The installation draws visitors with:

Wilde’s Legacy: Oscar Wilde is celebrated as one of Ireland’s greatest literary figures, known for his plays, essays, and the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray.
Unique Artistry: The combination of coloured stones and bronze figures is unusual and visually striking.
Accessibility: The memorial’s position in a public park makes it easily accessible to tourists exploring Dublin.
Photo Opportunity: The sculpture’s playful nature encourages visitors to pose and interact with it.

My Wide-Angle Lens And Lens Flare

The Sigma 14mm 1.8 DG HSM Art is the world’s first 1.8 prime lens at the 14mm focal length. However, when I use it for street photography I have lots of problems with lens flare.

Lens flare is a common challenge with wide-angle lenses, and the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art is not immune to this. Here’s a breakdown of the issue and how to manage it:

Why Wide Angle Lenses are Prone to Flare

Wide Field of View: Wide-angle lenses capture a large amount of the scene, increasing the likelihood of strong light sources entering the frame at oblique angles.
Complex Optics: The large, bulbous front elements of wide-angle lenses are necessary for the wide view but make lens design more complex. This can lead to internal reflections and light scattering causing flare.

Is it Specific to the Sigma 14mm f/1.8?

While the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 is generally a well-regarded lens, flare can be an issue. Here’s why:

Fast Aperture: The f/1.8 aperture lets in more light, making it more susceptible to flare artifacts.
Lens Design: Even with advanced coatings, complex lens designs (like the Sigma’s aspherical front element) can contribute to flare.

Ways to Mitigate Lens Flare

Lens Hood: Always use the dedicated lens hood. It helps block stray light from entering the lens from oblique angles.
Composition: Be aware of strong light sources (sun, streetlights) in your frame. Adjust your position or angle slightly to minimise direct light hitting the front of the lens.
Hand Shielding: In a pinch, use your hand to shield the lens from direct sunlight.
Post-Processing: You can often reduce or remove flare in editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. However, severe cases might be difficult to fix completely.

To Edit or Not to Edit

This is a subjective choice:

Authenticity: Some photographers prefer to leave flare in for a more “natural” feel.
Artistic Effect: Flare can sometimes be used creatively for a specific look or atmosphere in the image.
Perfection: If you’re striving for a highly polished and technically perfect photo, removing flare is often the way to go.

Ultimately, the best approach depends on your preference and the specific image. Experiment and see what works best for you!