SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 2023 PLUS

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THE WOOD QUAY SCULPTURE BY MICHAEL WARREN

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A SITE OF HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE

ANCHORED VOID KILKENNY CASTLE BY MICHAEL WARREN

The Wood Quay Sculpture

Outside Dublin’s Civic Offices on Wood Quay stands a large, imposing wooden sculpture, often referred to as the “Wood Quay” sculpture. The sculpture’s abstract form evokes the prow of a Viking longship, a powerful and deliberate choice for this historically significant location.

The Artist: Michael Warren

The Wood Quay sculpture was created by renowned Irish sculptor Michael Warren, born in 1950 in Gorey, County Wexford. Warren is known for his large-scale, site-specific public artworks that often incorporate natural materials. His work frequently investigates themes of history, the environment, and a sense of place.

Why Wood Quay?

The placement of the “Wood Quay” sculpture is deeply symbolic. Wood Quay marks a site of profound historical importance, where the remains of a significant Viking settlement were discovered. The sculpture serves as a potent reminder of Dublin’s rich Viking heritage. Its ship-like form suggests the arrival of the Norse people and the profound impact they had on shaping the city.

Moreover, the use of wood as a material might allude to the original quay’s construction, which would have likely used timber. The organic nature of wood, though a durable material, can also speak to the passage of time and the layers of history that exist beneath the modern city.

The Artwork’s Impact

The “Wood Quay” sculpture has become a landmark in Dublin and a starting point for many visitors interested in Dublin’s Viking past. The bold and abstract nature of the artwork invites contemplation and provides a visual focal point in an otherwise predominantly urban environment.

YELLOW STEEL GEOMETRIC REFLECTIONS IS A SCULPTURE BY MICHAEL BULFIN

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AT MIESIAN PLAZA OFF BAGGOT STREET IN DUBLIN

As already mentioned there are two prominent sculptures on the site – the yellow steel geometric Reflections (1978) by Michael Bulfin and Red Cardinal (1978) by John Burke.

Only recently did I learn that the complex where this yellow metal sculpture is located is now named “Miesian Plaza”. Miesian – relating to or characteristic of the German-born architect and designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe or his work.

Michael Bulfin (born 1939) is an Irish sculptor and visual artist, based in Dublin. He is the son of Irish republican Éamonn Bulfin and grandson of William Bulfin of Derrinlough, Birr, County Offaly. He was educated at University College Dublin and Yale University, Connecticut, USA. He was awarded a German Government Scholarship in 1965 to study at a research laboratory in Hamburg, Germany, German Academic Exchange Service (Deutsche Akademische Austauschdienst DAAD). He was chairman of the Project Arts Centre and the Sculptors Society of Ireland, and is a member of Aosdána.

His notable works include Reflections (1975) at the former Bank of Ireland Headquarters on Baggot Street, Dublin, A Walk Among Stone (1988) at Ballymun Flats (the sculpture and flats both since demolished), and Sky Train (2002) at Sculpture in the Parklands.

MY SECOND ATTEMPT TO PHOTOGRAPH THE KING AND QUEEN IN TRIM REF-226417-1

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A SCULPTURE BY RONAN HALPIN

THE TOWN OF TRIM PHOTO BLOG

I first saw and photographed this sculpture on Christmas Day 2022 but was unable to isolate the sculpture from the trees and bushes and the fact that I used an iPhone did not help. This time as I used a canon 5D the result was a bit better. However it was not easy to photograph this as standing on the road was way too dangerous [some drive way too fast in Trim] and when I tried to photographed it from the field it was close to impossible to see sculpture because of the trees and the hedges.

Trim town contains a number of public artworks. These public works of art are an integral part of the urban fabric of Trim town, enriching the sense of place and the physical beauty of the natural environment.

Some of the public works were created by Meath County Council though the Per Cent for Art Scheme which allows institutions of the state to allocate a certain portion of the costs of the construction costs of a project to finance a work of art. These pieces include King and Queen, Cross Sundial and The Bell.

Ronan Halpin was inspired by the mythological site at nearby Tara, traditionally the seat of the High Kings of Ireland. The Hill of Tara was central to the political and pagan life of the Celts. The nearby castle at Trim was also visited by the kings of England. The bronze sculptures stand on the roadside and the nearby trees and vegetation have grown and regularly threaten to cover them.

In 1992 as part of the Per Cent for Art Ronan Halpin was commissioned by Meath County Council for ‘The King and Queen’ for the Trim by-pass. Ronan Halpin was born in 1958. He attended the National College of Art and Design in Dublin and completed his studies at the Yale School of Art, Newhaven, Connecticut. USA. In 1985 he returned to Dublin where he worked for a number of years before transferring his studio to Drogheda and in 1998 he moved to Achill Island. His works are in the private collections of former Taoiseach, John Bruton, former US President Bill Clinton and the poet, Seamus Heaney.

A COWPARADE COW SCULPTURE THAT I LIKE

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LACKANASH ESTATE ON LINK ROAD IN TRIM COUNTY MEATH

VISIT THE TOWN OF TRIM PHOTO BLOG

I first photographed this cow on Christmas Day 2022 and was a bit surprised that it was still at the same location this Christmas.

Lackanash from Leacain Ais meaning the hill-side of the milk. It is a small townland near to the town of Trim and there is little historical information available online … can you supply more information?

I first saw this type of cow back in July 2003 and the story was not a happy one. A collection of life-size cows designed by Irish artists and public figures had to be taken off the streets of Dublin after vandals destroyed several of them. About 70 cows had been located on the streets of Dublin and Dundalk as part of the Bailey’s CowParade 2003, an international cultural art exhibition which visits cities all over the world. The initial 10 cows which were placed at city-centre locations were all damaged so badly that the organisers had no option but to remove them. Since then such sculptures are now usually installed at locations which are indoor or protected at night [I do not know if Dublin is/was unique].

CowParade is an international public art exhibit that has featured in major world cities. Fiberglass sculptures of cows are decorated by local artists, and distributed over the city centre, in public places such as train stations, important avenues, and parks. They often feature artwork and designs specific to local culture, as well as city life and other relevant themes.

After the exhibition in the city, which may last many months, the statues are auctioned off and the proceeds donated to charity.

There are a few variations of shape, but the three most common shapes of cow were created by Pascal Knapp, a Swiss-born sculptor who was commissioned to create the cows specifically for the CowParade series of events. Pascal Knapp owns the copyrights to the standing, lying, and grazing cow shapes used in the CowParade events.

MAEL SEACHNAILL MAC DOMNAILL LOOKED RATHER LONELY ON SAINT STEPHEN’S DAY 2023

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A SCULPTURE BY JAMES McKENNA

THE TOWN OF TRIM PHOTO BLOG

Irish sculptor, James McKenna, was born in Dublin on the 21st June 1933.

I visited the area in order to photograph this on Christmas Day but because of of weather conditions I was unable to use my camera so I had no option but to wait until St Stephen’s Day.

This area, in Trim, on the banks of the River Boyne has improved over recent years but it is still a bit untidy and the plaque which was missing last year has not been replaced.

Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill, also called Máel Sechnaill Mór or Máel Sechnaill II (949 – 2 September 1022), was a King of Mide and High King of Ireland. His great victory at the Battle of Tara against Olaf Cuaran in 980 resulted in Gaelic Irish control of the Kingdom of Dublin.

Máel Sechnaill belonged to the Clann Cholmáin branch of the Uí Néill dynasty. He was the grandson of Donnchad Donn, great-grandson of Flann Sinna and great-great-grandson of the first Máel Sechnaill, Máel Sechnaill mac Máele Ruanaid. The Kings of Tara or High Kings of Ireland had for centuries alternated between the various Uí Néill branches. By Máel Sechnaill’s time this alternating succession passed between Clann Cholmáin in the south and the Cenél nEógain in the north, so that he succeeded Domnall ua Néill in 980. This system had survived previous challenges by outsiders including the kings of Ulster, Munster and Leinster, and the Viking invasions.

In 980, Olav Cuarán, King of Dublin, summoned auxiliaries from Norse-ruled Scottish Isles and from Mann and attacked Meath, but was defeated by Máel Sechnaill at the Battle of Tara. Reginald, Olaf’s heir, was killed. Máel Sechnaill followed up his victory with a siege of Dublin which surrendered after three days and nights. When Maél Sechnaill took Dublin in 980, according to the Annals of Tigernach, he freed all the slaves then residing in the city.

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