SPHERE WITHIN A SPHERE AND THE PROBLEM WITH ITS LOCATION
In 2016, the sculpture "Sphere Within A Sphere" by Arnaldo Pomodoro stood prominently on the Trinity College Dublin campus, adjacent to the Berkeley Library. The sculpture, a large bronze sphere with a cracked surface revealing an inner sphere, was a well-known and beloved landmark on campus.
Its location near the Berkeley Library was significant, as the sculpture's themes of interconnectedness and the search for knowledge resonated with the library's function as a centre for learning and research. Students and staff often passed by the sculpture on their way to and from the library, and it served as a popular meeting spot and backdrop for photos.
The sculpture's presence near the Berkeley Library also sparked discussions about the library's namesake, George Berkeley, a renowned philosopher and former Trinity provost. However, Berkeley's association with colonialism and slavery had become a topic of increasing scrutiny in recent years, leading to calls for the library to be renamed.
In light of Trinity College's recent announcement to change the name of the Berkeley Library, the sculpture "Sphere Within A Sphere" takes on a new layer of significance. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing conversation about the university's history and its commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all. While the sculpture itself remains unchanged, its context has shifted, prompting reflection on the complex legacy of the institution and its role in shaping the future.
Its location near the Berkeley Library was significant, as the sculpture's themes of interconnectedness and the search for knowledge resonated with the library's function as a centre for learning and research. Students and staff often passed by the sculpture on their way to and from the library, and it served as a popular meeting spot and backdrop for photos.
The sculpture's presence near the Berkeley Library also sparked discussions about the library's namesake, George Berkeley, a renowned philosopher and former Trinity provost. However, Berkeley's association with colonialism and slavery had become a topic of increasing scrutiny in recent years, leading to calls for the library to be renamed.
In light of Trinity College's recent announcement to change the name of the Berkeley Library, the sculpture "Sphere Within A Sphere" takes on a new layer of significance. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing conversation about the university's history and its commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all. While the sculpture itself remains unchanged, its context has shifted, prompting reflection on the complex legacy of the institution and its role in shaping the future.
SPHERE WITHIN A SPHERE AND THE PROBLEM WITH ITS LOCATION