Metal Sculpture

THE QUINCENTENNIAL SAILS SCULPTURE BY EAMONN O’DOHERTY

February 11, 2025 by infomatique

18 JUNE 2018 EYRE SQUARE IN GALWAY

The Quincentennial Sails Sculpture in Galway’s Eyre Square

This striking Corten steel sculpture, known as the Quincentennial Sails, was created by Irish artist Éamonn O’Doherty. The sculpture is situated in Eyre Square, Galway, a space that also features a freestanding fountain erected in 1984. My attempts to capture the sculpture photographically began in August 2015, with initial efforts using a Sony NEX-7 camera proving unsuccessful due to poor lighting conditions. Subsequent attempts were often hindered by event restrictions in Eyre Square that limited public access.

While reviewing my photographic archive, I rediscovered some images taken in June 2018. These were captured with an ultra-wide 15mm Voigtlander lens, resulting in significant distortion. At the time, I chose not to publish them. However, with recent improvements in distortion correction software, I’ve been able to rework four of these 2018 photographs, which I now present here.

Éamonn O’Doherty (1939 – 4 August 2011), a multi-talented artist born in Derry, Northern Ireland, worked across various media, including sculpture, painting, printmaking, photography, and lecturing. He was particularly renowned for his large-scale public sculptures. O’Doherty passed away in Dublin at the age of 72.

WHAT IS LIFE SCULPTURE BY CHARLES JENCKS

October 4, 2024 by infomatique

AT THE NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS IN DUBLIN

What is Life? by Charles Jencks at the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland

A Sculptural Exploration of the Cell and the Cosmos

Nestled within the serene landscape of the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin, Ireland, lies a thought-provoking sculpture entitled “What is Life?” by renowned architect and landscape designer Charles Jencks. Created in 2013, this intriguing artwork delves into the intricate connections between the microscopic world of the cell and the vast expanse of the cosmos.

Form and Symbolism

The sculpture takes the form of a large, swirling mound, reminiscent of a cell undergoing division. Constructed from earth and covered in lush green grass, it blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings while simultaneously standing out as a striking artistic statement. Embedded within the mound are a series of pathways and steps, inviting visitors to embark on a journey of discovery.

As visitors traverse the sculpture, they encounter a series of symbolic elements that draw parallels between cellular processes and cosmic events. Stone carvings depict DNA strands, chromosomes, and other cellular components, while strategically placed rocks represent planets and stars. This juxtaposition encourages contemplation on the fundamental building blocks of life and the vastness of the universe.

A Dialogue Between Science and Art

“What is Life?” is not merely a static sculpture; it is an interactive experience that encourages visitors to engage with scientific concepts through the lens of art. Jencks, known for his work in landscape architecture and his interest in cosmology, seamlessly blends these disciplines in this piece. The sculpture serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things, from the smallest cell to the largest galaxy.

SEPIAN BLUE BY NASSER AZAM AT THE BOTANIC GARDENS

August 28, 2024 by infomatique

WAS ORIGINALLY LOCATED NEAR THE MAIN ENTRANCE

Sepian Blue by Nasser Azam – A Closer Look at the Artist and the Sculpture

The Enigmatic Sepian Blue

It’s a curious fact that information about permanent public art installations at the Botanic Gardens can be so elusive. However, it’s widely believed that this captivating bronze sculpture, recently relocated within the gardens, is indeed ‘Sepian Blue’ by Nasser Azam. Originally positioned near the main entrance, this monumental work has found a new home within the gardens’ expansive grounds.

Update: A Sculpture in Context Legacy

A reliable source has confirmed that ‘Sepian Blue’ was initially exhibited at Sculpture in Context, Ireland’s premier showcase of public sculpture, hosted annually at the Botanic Gardens. This prestigious event has unfortunately been cancelled for 2024 due to unforeseen circumstances. It’s a testament to the sculpture’s impact that it has been acquired as part of the Botanic Gardens’ permanent collection.

Nasser Azam: An Artist’s Journey

Born in Jhelum, Pakistan, in 1963, Nasser Azam relocated to London with his family at the age of seven. His artistic journey began in 1980, coinciding with his pursuit of a business degree at the University of Birmingham. Early recognition came in 1983 when he was featured in a BBC documentary.

Azam’s artistic trajectory has been marked by extensive travels across Japan, America, and Europe. In 2007, he was appointed Artist-in-Residence at the County Hall Gallery in London, where he showcased a retrospective of his work. His notable ‘Anatomica’ series, merging imagery from fashion magazines and medical textbooks, was exhibited subsequently.

Sculpting Landmarks

Azam’s sculptural achievements are equally impressive. In 2012, he unveiled ‘Athena’, a towering bronze sculpture standing over twelve metres tall at London City Airport. This remarkable work holds the distinction of being the tallest bronze sculpture in the United Kingdom.

His other notable sculptures include ‘The Dance’, a large bronze piece unveiled on London’s South Bank in 2008. Azam’s artistic contributions extend to the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, where ‘Sepian Blue’ now resides.

Artistic Style and Legacy

Azam’s semi-abstract painting style, often likened to that of Willem de Kooning, employs biomorphic forms and gestural marks to encode the human figure. His paintings typically feature a restricted palette, enhancing their evocative power.

In 2010, Azam acquired the Morris Singer Art Foundry, subsequently relaunching it as the Zahra Modern Art Foundry. This move underscores his commitment to supporting and advancing the art of sculpture.

FAMINE MEMORIAL BY SCULPTOR JOHN MC KENNA

August 26, 2024 by infomatique

AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE DROPPING WELL PUB IN MILLTOWN

The Dropping Well Pub in Milltown stands as a poignant reminder of the Great Famine’s devastating impact on Ireland. Its origins as a community morgue in 1847, during the worst year of the famine, are indeed chilling. Further underscoring its connection to this tragic period, a dedicated Famine Memorial, sculpted by John McKenna and unveiled in 1997, stands prominently at the pub’s entrance, serving as a solemn tribute to those who tragically lost their lives.

SCULPTURE OF A SWAN BY ANNETTE McCORMACK

August 23, 2024 by infomatique

AT THE STRAND PARK IN NEWBRIDGE CHRISTMAS 2012

There is a sculpture of a Swan – Cosantóir (protector) at the entrance to the Liffey Linear Park in Newbridge.

Name of artist: Annette McCormack
Name of artwork: ‘Cosantoir’ – Protector
Year of installation: 2010
Medium: Bronze
Location: ‘The Strand’ park, Newbridge

Artist’s Background: Annette McCormack is an Irish sculptor known for her figurative works in bronze. Her pieces often explore themes of nature, mythology, and the human condition. She has exhibited widely in Ireland and internationally.
Artwork Description: “Cosantoir,” meaning “Protector” in Irish, is a bronze sculpture of a swan.
It’s a life-size representation, capturing the bird’s graceful form and powerful presence. The swan is depicted with its wings slightly raised, conveying a sense of both protection and vigilance.
Location and Significance: The sculpture is located in The Strand park, Newbridge, which is part of the Liffey Linear Park. The swan is a fitting symbol for this location, as the River Liffey is home to a variety of birdlife, including swans. The artwork adds a touch of beauty and meaning to the park, inviting visitors to appreciate the natural world and the importance of conservation.