THIS IS A NEW SCULPTURE BY SANDRA BELL
THE CHORNOBYL MOTHER SCULPTURE WAS UNVEILED DURING MY WEEK IN CORK [AT THE MARINA PARK]
A New Addition to Cork’s Cultural Landscape
While the Chornobyl Mother is a recent addition to the city, its placement in Marina Park is intentional. The park itself is part of a massive urban renewal project, and by placing the sculpture there, the city and Chernobyl Children International (CCI) are effectively "planting a seed" for future remembrance.
Current Status: It currently serves as a dedicated memorial site, intended to become a focal point for the city’s annual commemorations.
The Intent: The goal is that, as the surrounding parkland matures, the sculpture will evolve into a recognised landmark where people can reflect on the intersection of Irish volunteerism and global humanitarian history.
The Artist: Sandra Bell
To be more specific about the artist's work, Sandra Bell is known for her "cast in bronze" sculptures that often use negative space to create a sense of lightness. Her involvement brings a high level of prestige to the project. Having her work in Marina Park elevates the site's profile, as her sculptures are already established landmarks in other parts of Ireland and internationally (such as her work in the Dublin Castle gardens).
CCI: The Cork Connection
The reason this sculpture is located in Cork rather than Dublin is deeply rooted in the city's identity as the "home" of the Irish response to the disaster.
The Cork Office: For over three decades, the CCI headquarters on Alfred Street has been the nerve centre for coordinating the convoys of aid and the flights of children.
Community Support: The sculpture represents the thousands of Cork families who have opened their homes to children from the affected regions since 1991.
A New Addition to Cork’s Cultural Landscape
While the Chornobyl Mother is a recent addition to the city, its placement in Marina Park is intentional. The park itself is part of a massive urban renewal project, and by placing the sculpture there, the city and Chernobyl Children International (CCI) are effectively "planting a seed" for future remembrance.
Current Status: It currently serves as a dedicated memorial site, intended to become a focal point for the city’s annual commemorations.
The Intent: The goal is that, as the surrounding parkland matures, the sculpture will evolve into a recognised landmark where people can reflect on the intersection of Irish volunteerism and global humanitarian history.
The Artist: Sandra Bell
To be more specific about the artist's work, Sandra Bell is known for her "cast in bronze" sculptures that often use negative space to create a sense of lightness. Her involvement brings a high level of prestige to the project. Having her work in Marina Park elevates the site's profile, as her sculptures are already established landmarks in other parts of Ireland and internationally (such as her work in the Dublin Castle gardens).
CCI: The Cork Connection
The reason this sculpture is located in Cork rather than Dublin is deeply rooted in the city's identity as the "home" of the Irish response to the disaster.
The Cork Office: For over three decades, the CCI headquarters on Alfred Street has been the nerve centre for coordinating the convoys of aid and the flights of children.
Community Support: The sculpture represents the thousands of Cork families who have opened their homes to children from the affected regions since 1991.
CHORNOBYL MOTHER SCULPTURE