Public Art

MEETING BY PAT LOUGHRAN BECKETT WAY PARK WEST DUBLIN

November 13, 2024 by infomatique

LEGACY PHOTO COLLECTION MAY 2017

This striking sculpture, titled “Meeting”, was created by Irish artist Pat Loughran. Selected from the final year of sculpture students at the National College of Art and Design, Loughran was commissioned to create a site-specific work for Park West.

Standing at an impressive 3 metres tall, “Meeting” is formed from polished aluminium, its reflective surface mirroring the surrounding environment. This creates a dynamic interaction between the viewer, the sculpture, and the business park itself, symbolising the coming together of people and ideas. The sculpture is mounted on a white concrete plinth, which provides a clean, minimalist base and allows the reflective qualities of the aluminium to take centre stage.

While I couldn’t find specific details about the artist Pat Loughran beyond this commission, the sculpture is clearly influenced by Minimalism, an art movement that emerged in the 1960s and emphasised simple geometric forms and industrial materials. The use of polished aluminium and the abstract form of “Meeting” are characteristic of this style.

The location of the sculpture in Park West, a major business park in Dublin, is also significant. It suggests a connection between the artwork and the world of commerce, perhaps reflecting on themes of collaboration, innovation, and growth.

THIS BRONZE SCULPTURE IS IN CORNELSCOURT VILLAGE

October 17, 2024 by infomatique

IT HAS TAKEN ME YEARS TO FIND ANY INFORMATION RELATING TO IT

Today I got the 155 bus to Cornelscourt Village specifically to photograph this Sculpture – it took a long time for the bus to travel from Broadstone to Cornelscourt.

The “Eoinin na Nean” sculpture in Cornelscourt Village, Co. Dublin, has been a source of intrigue for many years. Recent research has finally shed light on this captivating artwork and its creator.

The sculpture, erected in 2008, is the work of Colm J. Brennan, an Irish artist born in 1943. “Eoinin na Nean” translates to “Eoineen of the Birds,” a title that beautifully captures the essence of the piece. This unique bronze sculpture depicts a young boy surrounded by birds, perhaps symbolising a connection to nature or a sense of freedom and wonder.

Interestingly, there is also a maquette (a smaller model) of the sculpture, measuring 68 x 35 x 35 cm. This maquette was acquired directly from the artist by its current owner and provides a fascinating insight into the artist’s process.

THE LOCK KEEPER AT ASHTOWN 11 OCTOBER 2024

October 13, 2024 by infomatique

IS IT GENUINE PUBLIC ART OR SOMETHING ELSE

The Lock Keeper statue near the 10th Lock on the Royal Canal in Ashtown always piqued my curiosity. Is this life-sized figure, seemingly frozen in time as he carries out his duties, a piece of public art commemorating the canal’s heritage, or something else entirely?

The timing of its installation, coinciding with the opening of the Lock Keeper Pub just steps away, raises an intriguing question. Could this statue be a clever marketing ploy, a promotional device designed to draw attention to the new establishment and create a thematic link to the canal’s history?

The absence of a plaque, any record of a public unveiling ceremony, and the lack of readily available information about the artist or commission all point towards this possibility. It’s conceivable that the pub, or its landlord, commissioned the statue as a way to enhance the area and attract customers, rather than as a purely artistic endeavour.

If this is the case, it presents a fascinating example of how private businesses can utilise art to shape public spaces and even influence our perception of history. The statue, whether intended as public art or a promotional tool, undeniably adds to the character of the canal towpath and serves as a reminder of Ashtown’s rich past, interwoven with its present-day development.

The Lock Keeper can be found at Lock 10, a double lock constructed in 1792 with quality stonework and attractive sloping edges. One of 46 along the 145km Royal Canal, which runs from the River Liffey to the River Shannon, Lock 10 stands as a testament to the skill of its builders. Originally built for freight and passenger transportation, the canal saw its last working barges cease operation in 1951 and was officially closed to traffic in 1960. The pub sits adjacent to the former Lock Keeper’s House, a post rendered obsolete by the canal’s closure.

Now beautifully maintained by Waterways Ireland, the lock, the sculpture, and the pub are easily accessible from Dublin City Centre. Arrive by canoe, enjoy a leisurely walk or cycle along the towpath, or take a scenic short train journey from Connolly Station to Ashtown.

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THE BEST NIGHT EVER SCULPTURE BY BOB QUINN

April 6, 2024 by infomatique

DURING STORM KATHLEEN 6 APRIL 2024

Despite a storm warning, I decided to visit the Botanic Gardens. Keeping my lens dry was a significant challenge, and this greatly impacted nearly all of the images I captured.

I have photographed this sculpture many times as it is one of my favorites.

It’s worth noting that I have encountered another copy of this sculpture in City West. Unfortunately, the last time I tried to photograph the one in City West, I was informed by security, who shadowed me for about fifteen minutes, that I was on private property and that photography was prohibited. I was asked to leave immediately, and my policy is not to argue.

Born in 1948, Bob Quinn enjoyed a long career in the Irish advertising business as a commercial artist, designer, and the head of a successful design and production company. He now works full time as a sculptor in Blackrock, Co Dublin, where he lives with his wife and two daughters.

Over the weekend, Storm Kathleen swept across Ireland, leaving a trail of disruption in its wake. With its powerful gusts and heavy rainfall, the storm caused widespread power outages and travel chaos throughout the country, but it was at its worst in the South and the West.

Storm Kathleen made landfall with potent winds, reaching speeds of up to 110 kilometers per hour along coastal regions. Counties Galway and Mayo bore the brunt of its impact, facing a Status Orange wind warning. The rest of Ireland was under a Yellow wind warning, still experiencing significant disruptions. Fallen trees and power lines were widespread, leaving approximately 34,000 homes and businesses without electricity. ESB Networks scrambled to restore power, but many areas remained in the dark for extended periods.

The storm’s potent winds caused significant disruptions to transportation networks. Rail services in and out of Dublin’s Heuston Station were suspended due to a fallen tree obstructing the line. Flights, particularly those to and from Belfast City Airport, faced cancellations. Ferry crossings were also affected, with choppy seas causing delays and cancellations.

Authorities issued warnings urging people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The ESB emphasized the danger of downed power lines, advising the public to never approach them and instead report incidents immediately. The Irish Coast Guard also warned of dangerous coastal conditions.

HOW DARE YOU CALL ME KITTY

February 16, 2024 by infomatique

BRONZE LIONESS BY DAVIDE RIVALTA IN THE UPPER COURTYARD DUBLIN CASTLE

I photographed this again as I really like it. It looks black but up close it is obvious that it is bronze.

Original sculptures by Italian artist Davide Rivalta are on display in Dublin Castle and Lucan.

The exhibition, called Grazing in Lucan is a collaboration between Rome’s National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art and Dublin Castle.

Bronze buffalos are ‘grazing’ in the green park of Lucan House, the residence of the Ambassador of Italy in Ireland, while the courtyard square of Dublin Castle features a bronze lioness.

Davide Rivalta is an Italian artist who was born in 1974. Numerous key galleries and museums such as La Galleria Nazionale have featured Davide Rivalta’s work in the past.