Bronze

SEPIAN BLUE BY NASSER AZAM 4 OCTOBER 2024

October 5, 2024 by infomatique

WAS ORIGINALLY LOCATED NEAR THE MAIN ENTRANCE

Pinterest blocked my photographs of this sculpture as not being suitable.

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

A Monumental Presence at the National Botanic Gardens

Located within the serene landscape of the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin, “Sepian Blue” stands as a captivating testament to the power of bronze sculpture. This monumental work by Nasser Azam, recently relocated to a prominent position within the gardens, was originally exhibited as part of Sculpture in Context, Ireland’s premier showcase of public sculpture [Note: the 2024 exhibition was cancelled].

Sculpture in Context: A Legacy of Public Art

Sculpture in Context, held annually at the Botanic Gardens, provides a unique platform for artists to display their work amidst the garden’s natural beauty. Sadly, the 2024 edition was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. However, “Sepian Blue” made such a lasting impression that it was acquired for the Botanic Gardens’ permanent collection, a testament to its artistic merit and enduring appeal.

Nasser Azam: A Life in Art

Born in Jhelum, Pakistan, in 1963, Nasser Azam moved to London with his family at the age of seven. His artistic journey began in 1980 while pursuing a business degree at the University of Birmingham. Early recognition came swiftly with a feature in a 1983 BBC documentary. Azam’s artistic development was further enriched by extensive travels across Japan, America, and Europe, broadening his perspectives and influencing his creative vision.

In 2007, Azam was appointed Artist-in-Residence at the County Hall Gallery in London, culminating in a retrospective exhibition of his work. He gained further acclaim for his “Anatomica” series, a powerful exploration of the human form that merges imagery from fashion magazines and medical textbooks.

Sculpting on a Grand Scale

Azam’s sculptural achievements are equally remarkable. In 2012, he unveiled “Athena,” a breathtaking bronze sculpture standing over twelve metres tall at London City Airport. This monumental work holds the distinction of being the tallest bronze sculpture in the United Kingdom, a symbol of strength and grace against the modern architectural backdrop.

His other notable sculptures include “The Dance,” a large bronze piece dynamically capturing movement and unveiled on London’s South Bank in 2008. With “Sepian Blue” now gracing the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Azam’s artistic legacy extends across borders and mediums.

Artistic Style and Enduring Influence

Azam’s semi-abstract painting style, often drawing comparisons to Willem de Kooning, is characterized by biomorphic forms and expressive gestural marks that subtly encode the human figure. His paintings, typically employing a restricted palette, possess a profound evocative power, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of the human condition.

In 2010, Azam acquired the Morris Singer Art Foundry, subsequently relaunching it as the Zahra Modern Art Foundry. This significant move underscores his dedication to preserving traditional sculptural techniques and fostering the future of this art form.

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.

A LONELY RHINO IN THE DODDER

August 23, 2024 by infomatique

BEHIND THE DROPPING WELL PUB

The Dodder Rhino: A Mysterious Marvel

In the heart of Dublin, nestled by the River Dodder, stands an enigmatic bronze rhinoceros. Its imposing presence startles passersby as they cross Classon’s Bridge, adjacent to The Dropping Well pub. This life-sized sculpture, cast in bronze, commands attention from its plinth in the middle of the river.

A Lifelike Creation: The sculptor behind this masterpiece spared no effort. Every crease in the rhino’s skin is meticulously detailed, lending it a remarkably realistic appearance. Some say it’s as if this enormous mammal escaped from Dublin Zoo, journeying miles along the River Dodder to find its current home.

Dublin’s Best-Kept Secret: The Dodder Rhino has become a symbol of Rathmines, a district in Dublin. At The Dropping Well, one of the town’s oldest Irish pubs, the owners affectionately consider the river-dwelling rhino their “pet.” They even organised a contest to name it, with suggestions like “Milltown Muddler” and “The Plodder in the Dodder.” Ultimately, “Dodder Rhino” prevailed.
The Mystery Endures

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.

BLACK TULIP ON THE UCD CAMPUS

January 6, 2024 by infomatique

A SCULPTURE BY EAMONN CEANNT

I photographed this on Little Christmas (6 January 2024).

Eamonn Ceannt (b.1953, Dublin) is a graduate and former Vice President of UCD. His work is notable for its tactile qualities and sinuous forms. Ceannt has travelled extensively over the years including north Africa, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent and lived for a number of years in Kenya. The influence of native and classical art is evident in his work. ‘Black Tulip’ is one of a series of sculptures based on plant studies. This work was donated to UCD by RKD architects to mark their 100th anniversary.