KILKENNY CASTLE JUNE 2025
“Void Anchored” is a striking steel sculpture by Irish artist Michael Warren, currently on display at Kilkenny. I photographed it in 2021 during a thunderstorm; today, there was plenty of rain, though no thunder.
About “Void Anchored”
I initially stumbled upon this sculpture while exploring a quieter part of the Kilkenny Castle grounds, unaware of its existence. It is sometimes referred to as “Anchored Void,” and other times as “Void Anchored.”
The Artist: Michael Warren
Michael Warren (born 1950 in Gorey, County Wexford, Ireland) is a renowned Irish sculptor known for his site-specific public art installations. He was inspired by his art teacher, Oisín Kelly, at St. Columba’s College, leading him to study at Bath Academy of Art, Trinity College, Dublin, and the Accademia di Brera in Milan from 1971–75. He now resides and works in County Wexford.
Notable Works in Ireland
Warren has several prominent works across Ireland, including:
Dublin Civic Offices: A large, sweeping wooden sculpture situated in front of the Dublin Civic Offices at Wood Quay. This site was historically the centre of Viking Dublin. The sculpture evokes the form and powerful grace of a Viking ship, while also vertically reflecting the horizontal sweep of the nearby River Liffey as it enters its bay. This complex balance of meanings, coupled with a delicate yet massive balance of substance, is characteristic of his work. Warren himself has described the useful ambiguity of abstraction (Hill 1998).
Tulach a’ tSolais (Mound of Light): Created with Roland Tallon, this memorial commemorates the 1798 rebellion. It features a room hollowed out of a small hill, containing two abstract curved oak forms. Natural light illuminates the space through a long slot in the ceiling and walls. Despite its unusual and abstract constitution, and the politically charged nature of the rebellion, Tulach a’ tSolais is a popular local attraction.
Gateway in Dún Laoghaire: This piece was less favourably received by some local residents and was eventually removed and returned to the artist.
Leighlinbridge, County Carlow: At the northern entrance to the village, there is a sculpture by Warren depicting the thrones of Dinn Righ (The Hill of the Kings), the ancient seat of the Kings of South Leinster, who lived near the village.