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The Famine Memorial, located on Custom House Quay in Dublin, is a poignant and powerful reminder of one of the most devastating periods in Irish history – the Great Famine (An Gorta Mór) of 1845-1852. It serves not only as a tribute to the victims but also as a catalyst for reflection on the social and political forces that contributed to this catastrophic event.

Artistic Representation and Symbolism:

The memorial is comprised of a series of bronze sculptures by the renowned Irish artist, Rowan Gillespie. These life-sized figures depict emaciated men, women, and children, trudging wearily towards the quayside, representing the desperate attempts of many Irish people to escape the ravages of famine by emigrating. The figures are strikingly realistic, with gaunt faces, tattered clothing, and expressions of despair and resignation etched onto their features. They are arranged in a procession, moving eastwards, as if heading towards the ships that would carry them away to an uncertain future in countries like America, Canada, and Australia.

The figures are not anonymous; they embody the suffering of individuals. For instance, one prominent figure is a mother cradling a lifeless child, a stark symbol of the widespread death from starvation and disease that decimated the population. Another figure is a man, hunched over with weakness, clinging to a walking stick, representing the elderly and frail who were particularly vulnerable. A young boy clutches a small bundle, perhaps containing all his worldly possessions, while looking back, perhaps longing for the home and life he is leaving behind.

The placement of the memorial on Custom House Quay is highly symbolic. This area was a major departure point for emigrant ships during the famine years. It was here that countless families said their final goodbyes, unsure if they would ever see each other again. The location, therefore, connects the artwork directly to the historical reality of the famine exodus, creating a powerful sense of place and memory.

Context and Significance:

The Famine Memorial was commissioned by Norma Smurfit and unveiled in 1997, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of ‘Black ’47’, the worst year of the famine. Its creation marked a significant moment in the public acknowledgement and commemoration of the Great Famine in Ireland.

The famine was a pivotal event in Irish history, leaving a lasting impact on the country’s demographics, politics, and culture. It resulted in the death of approximately one million people and forced another million to emigrate. The population of Ireland never fully recovered, and the legacy of the famine continues to shape Irish identity and its relationship with Britain to this day. The memorial, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of this transformative period and its enduring consequences.

Impact and Interpretation:

The Famine Memorial has become a significant landmark in Dublin, attracting visitors from around the world. It is a deeply moving experience to walk amongst the figures, to imagine their plight, and to reflect on the human cost of the famine. The artwork evokes a strong emotional response, prompting contemplation on themes of suffering, displacement, resilience, and the importance of remembrance.

The memorial also sparks discussion about the causes of the famine, including the role of British government policies, the failures of the landlord system, and the over-reliance on the potato crop. It encourages a critical examination of historical events and their ongoing relevance to contemporary issues of poverty, inequality, and social justice.

Related Memorials:

It is important to note that Rowan Gillespie’s work extends beyond the Custom House Quay memorial. A companion piece, titled “Arrivals,” is located in Ireland Park in Toronto, Canada. This second memorial depicts the Irish immigrants arriving in the New World, some finding success, others continuing to struggle. The two memorials, linked across the Atlantic, create a powerful narrative of the famine journey, from the despair of departure to the uncertain hope of a new beginning.

In conclusion, the Famine Memorial at Custom House Quay is a profound and evocative work of public art that serves as a fitting tribute to the victims of the Great Famine. Its realistic depiction of human suffering, combined with its symbolic location, makes it a powerful reminder of this tragic event and its lasting impact on Irish history and identity.

PHOTOGRAPHED CHRISTMAS DAY 2024

Dame Elisabeth Frink’s “Tribute Head” in Merrion Square Park, Dublin

Dame Elisabeth Frink’s “Tribute Head” is a poignant bronze sculpture located in the historic Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland. This article delves into the fascinating story behind this artwork, exploring the artist’s life and motivations, the sculpture’s creation and significance, and its connection to the park and the events surrounding its placement.

The Sculpture

Created in 1975, “Tribute Head” is one of a series of four bronze heads by Dame Elisabeth Frink. These heads, with their closed eyes and serene yet stoic expressions, explore themes of suffering, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. As Frink herself explained, “The heads represent the inhumanity of man – they are the heads of victims.” They stand in stark contrast to her earlier “Goggle Heads,” which conveyed a sense of menace and aggression. The “Tribute Heads” can be seen as a response to those earlier works, representing victims and martyrs who endure suffering with quiet dignity. Frink intended them to not only depict suffering but also to demonstrate the capacity for human survival in the face of adversity.

The dimensions of “Tribute Head” vary slightly depending on the specific cast, but they generally measure approximately 67.1 cm in height, 50.8 cm in width, and 40.6 cm in depth. Each cast is one of an edition of six, signed and numbered by the artist.

The Artist: Dame Elisabeth Frink

Dame Elisabeth Frink (1930-1993) was a prominent English sculptor and printmaker whose work often depicted men, animals, and religious figures.

arly Life and Influences

Born in Suffolk, Frink’s childhood experiences during World War II profoundly influenced her artistic vision. Witnessing the trauma of returning soldiers and the constant threat of air raids instilled in her a deep awareness of human vulnerability and resilience. These early encounters shaped her artistic exploration of themes of strength, struggle, and the human condition.

Artistic Style

Frink’s artistic style was characterised by a distinctive approach to form and texture. She preferred modelling in plaster to clay, building up layers on an armature and then working back with tools to create a surface that conveyed both rawness and expressiveness. This technique, influenced by Alberto Giacometti, allowed her to capture a sense of both physical presence and inner turmoil in her sculptures. While she drew inspiration from artists like Rodin, Frink sought to represent a universal humanity in her work rather than individual personalities.

Notable Works

Throughout her career, Frink received numerous accolades, including being appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 1982 and a Companion of Honour (CH) in 1992. Her works are held in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Tate Gallery in London and the National Galleries of Scotland. Some of her most notable works include “Birdman,” “Horse and Rider,” and the “Risen Christ” sculpture in Liverpool Cathedral. In addition to the “Tribute Heads,” she created a series of “In Memoriam” heads, which further explored the theme of individuals who have suffered for their beliefs.

Merrion Square Park

Merrion Square Park is a green oasis in the heart of Dublin, surrounded by elegant Georgian architecture. Laid out in the 18th century, the square was initially a private garden for residents. However, in the 1970s, it was opened to the public, becoming a cherished space for Dubliners and visitors alike. The park was originally named “Archbishop Ryan Park” but was renamed “Merrion Square Park” in 2010 after Ryan was criticised in the Murphy Report.

Merrion Square Park is renowned for its historical significance, its association with prominent figures like Oscar Wilde and W.B. Yeats, and its carefully preserved Georgian character. The park also features a statue of Oscar Wilde, adding to its rich cultural heritage. In 1930, the Catholic Church purchased the park as a potential site for a cathedral, although this plan was never realised. Another notable feature in the park is the Rutland Fountain, dating back to 1792.

Unveiling and Legacy

The “Tribute Head” sculpture in Merrion Square Park was unveiled on 26 June 1983, in a ceremony attended by approximately 1,500 people. The event, organised by Artists for Amnesty, was a powerful demonstration of solidarity with Nelson Mandela, the imprisoned leader of the African National Congress (ANC). The unveiling featured readings by the renowned poet Seamus Heaney and a performance by The Chieftains. The inscription on the sculpture, though nearly impossible to read today, originally commemorated Mandela’s imprisonment.

The sculpture was donated by Dame Elisabeth Frink to Artists for Amnesty, who sought a suitable location for it in Dublin. This act reflects Frink’s own commitment to human rights and social justice, aligning with the themes of suffering and resilience explored in her “Tribute Heads.” Merrion Square Park, with its historical significance and association with prominent figures, provided an appropriate setting for this tribute to Mandela and a statement against injustice. The unveiling ceremony itself was a significant event in Dublin’s history, demonstrating the city’s support for Mandela and the anti-apartheid movement.

When Mandela was released from prison in 1990, the “Tribute Head” became a focal point for celebrations in Dublin. Today, it stands as a testament to the power of art to inspire hope and promote social justice.

Conclusion

Dame Elisabeth Frink’s “Tribute Head” in Merrion Square Park is more than just a sculpture; it is a symbol of resilience, a tribute to a global icon, and a testament to the enduring fight for human rights. Its presence in this historic park enriches Dublin’s cultural landscape and serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of standing up against oppression. The sculpture embodies Frink’s broader artistic themes, reflecting her deep concern with the human condition and her exploration of suffering, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit.