Sculpture In Context

THE 2024 EVENT WAS CANCELLED

August 31, 2025 by infomatique

SO I ADDED SOME UNRELATED SCULPTURES IN 2024

The Sculpture in Context 2023 Event

The 2023 event, hosted at the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin, was a major success. It was the longest-running, largest, and most important sculpture exhibition in the country, showcasing the work of over 140 established and emerging artists. The exhibition ran from September 7 to October 13, 2023, and was free to the public. It featured a diverse range of contemporary sculptures, from monumental stone works to intricate ceramic pieces, displayed both outdoors throughout the 50 acres of gardens and indoors in the glasshouses and gallery. The event also included a program of lectures and guided tours.

Why the 2024 Event Was Not Held

The reason for the absence of a Sculpture in Context event in 2024 was a difficult decision made by the organisers. It was not a cancellation in the traditional sense, but rather a decision to put the event on hiatus to address a long-standing issue: a lack of sustainable funding.

The exhibition had been run entirely by a small group of dedicated volunteers since its inception in 1985. Over the years, the event grew significantly in scale and importance, becoming a full-time, unpaid job for its organisers. The committee, which includes a chairperson and a treasurer, found that the immense workload was no longer sustainable.

While the event had the support of the National Botanic Gardens and the Office of Public Works, and relied on sponsorships from arts-related companies, it had never received core government funding. The money from sponsorships primarily went towards artist awards, and the organizers had to fund the entire production themselves.

In 2023, the committee made the tough call to hold one final exhibition and then take a break to secure a new funding source. They launched a petition and reapplied for funding from organisations like the Arts Council and Dublin City Council. The hope was that by taking a step back, they could secure the necessary financial support to ensure the long-term future and continued success of the exhibition. The break in 2024 was a strategic move to address this fundamental issue and allow the organisation to regroup and find a more stable financial footing.

SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 2025

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.

VERONICA GUERIN MEMORIAL -229866-1

March 18, 2024 by infomatique

I USE THIS SCULPTURE AT DUBLIN CASTLE AS A REFERENCE

The Veronica Guerin Bust is a bronze sculpture located in the Memorial Garden at Dublin Castle. It was created by Irish sculptor Rowan Gillespie in memory of the investigative journalist Veronica Guerin, who was assassinated in 1996 for her reporting on organised crime. The bust depicts Guerin with a determined expression, symbolising her courage and dedication to uncovering the truth.

Today I used a Voigtlander APO LANTHAR 65mm F2 lens with my Sony FX30. This is a manual lens and it has worked very well when attached to my Sony A7RIV. In general he results were disappointing and I am wondering if there could be any reasons why the Voigtlander might not have been a good match for the Crop-Sensor FX30.

I am aware of the following:

Change in Field of View: Crop-sensor cameras have a smaller sensor than full-frame cameras. This means they effectively “crop” the image circle projected by the lens. My 65mm lens will behave more like a 97.5mm (approx) lens on the FX30 due to the 1.5x crop factor. This change in focal length can significantly impact composition and the feel of images.

While a 65mm lens will still capture images, the effective resolution will likely be lower on the FX30. This is because the same number of pixels from the lens’ image circle are being spread over a smaller area. I do not believe that this is a problem.

Focusing Challenges: As there is no EVF [viewfinder] manual focusing was very difficult on the FX30. I suspect that this was what caused the reduction in quality that I encountered.

The Voigtlander APO LANTHAR 65mm F2 is a fully manual focus lens designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras, especially Sony E-mount. It’s known for its exceptional optical quality, build, and macro capabilities.

Key Features:

Apochromatic (APO) Design: This minimises chromatic aberrations (colour fringing), resulting in extremely sharp images with accurate colour rendition.
Macro Capabilities: Offers a 1:2 magnification ratio, allowing for close-up photography.
Fast f/2 Aperture: Great for low-light shooting and creating shallow depth-of-field for subject isolation.
All-Metal Construction: Exudes a premium feel and durability.
Smooth, Long Focus Throw: Precise for manual focusing.

Pros:

Stunning Image Quality: Delivers incredible sharpness, micro-contrast, and colour accuracy, even wide open.
Beautiful Bokeh: The smooth rendering of out-of-focus areas adds a pleasing aesthetic.
Excellent Build Quality: Feels solid and luxurious in its construction.
Versatile Focal Length: Useful for portraits, close-ups, and general “long normal” photography.

Cons:

Manual Focus Only: Not ideal for fast-paced shooting or those who strongly prefer autofocus.
Some Vignetting: Noticeable at wider apertures, but often adds a pleasing effect and easily corrected in post.
Price: Relatively expensive, but in line with similar, high-performance lenses.
Size and Weight: Can be a little bulky compared to some alternatives.

Best Suited For:

Detail-Oriented Photographers: Those who appreciate and prioritise top-notch image quality.
Macro Enthusiasts: The close-focusing capability makes it a great choice for macro work.
Portrait Photographers: The focal length and bokeh quality are excellent for portraits.
Deliberate Shooters: Those who enjoy the tactile experience and slower pace of manual focus.
Overall:

The Voigtlander APO LANTHAR 65mm F2 is an outstanding lens for photographers demanding the highest image quality and love the experience of manual focus. Its optical performance is hard to beat, making it a worthy investment for the right user.

DEMOLITION DAVE’S MEMORIAL AT THE SMITHFIELD TRAM STOP

February 27, 2024 by infomatique

A FREQUENTLY UNNOTICED TRIBUTE

Amidst the bustling crowds at Smithfield Luas stop, an unassuming memorial stands as a silent homage to a remarkable man whose legacy often escapes the hurried gaze of passersby.

Dave Conway, a father of two, met an untimely end at the tender age of 38, victim to a tragic motorbike accident. His indelible mark, however, remains etched in Dublin’s urban fabric.

As a Demolition Manager, Dave played a pivotal role in shaping the LUAS construction project — an endeavour that now crisscrosses our city. His dedication and expertise left an indelible imprint on the very tracks we traverse daily.

For nearly a year, I delved into the mystery surrounding the sculpture adjacent to the tram stop. It remained an enigma until a serendipitous moment revealed its creator: James Gannon. This gifted artist, working with stone and bronze from his Dublin and Roscommon studios, breathed life into the unassuming structure.
The Bench That Speaks: Some dismiss it as such. But look closer. Trace the tramlines etched into its form—the subtle nod to the very tracks Dave once navigated. Curious, I engaged fellow Dubliners in conversation. Not one had noticed its deeper significance until I pointed out those embedded rails.

Gannon’s career highlights include:

Gold Medal, Irish Landscape Exhibit (EXPO ’91 Osaka, Japan): This prestigious award in 1991 was in recognition of his outstanding granite sculptures.

Public Commissions: He’s created numerous public sculptures, such as those decorating the façade of Dublin’s historic Fruit and Fish Market Buildings, and a large granite piece dedicated to the Travelling Community at Parslickstown.

Representation of Ireland: In 2001, Gannon represented Ireland at the Symposium du Granit des Marches de Bretagne in France.

His work often explores themes of heritage, growth, and the interplay between natural and human-made forms. One notable piece, “Hybrid Vigour”, was inspired by his grandfather and the agricultural concept of cross-breeding to achieve greater strength.