THREE SCULPTURES
LIMERICK PRISON FEATURES THREE SCULPTURES [HIGHLIGHTING FAMILY IMPACT OF INCARCERATION]
Limerick Prison has taken a unique step in acknowledging the human cost of incarceration with the unveiling of three powerful sculptures on its grounds. The artwork, created by Limerick City Build, serves as a poignant reminder of the impact imprisonment has not only on individuals but also on their families and the wider community.
One of the most striking pieces, entitled "The Space Between", features the silhouettes of a man, woman, and child. This evocative representation of a family highlights the often-overlooked consequences of imprisonment, as Human Rights Commissioner Teresa Blake noted at the unveiling: "It's an emotional piece that represents what goes missing when a person comes to prison."
This sentiment is echoed in the accompanying plaque for another sculpture, "The Divided Self", which reads: "The separation from family, community, and society is interwoven with the struggle for personal expression, creativity, and the survival of the spirit in an environment where freedom is denied." This piece, with its focus on the internal struggle of the individual, complements "The Space Between" by drawing attention to the psychological and emotional toll of incarceration.
The third sculpture, a silver bench named "Kathedra", provides a space for reflection and contemplation. While its symbolism may be less overt, it offers a place for visitors, families, and perhaps even those who have served time to pause and consider the complex issues surrounding imprisonment.
The unveiling of these sculptures coincided with the opening of a new family visiting area at Limerick Prison, further emphasising the institution's commitment to recognising the importance of family connections. This initiative has been praised by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, with Commissioner Blake stating, "This is a fantastic statement about family that really links with the Prison Service core values."
By commissioning and displaying these thought-provoking sculptures, Limerick Prison has sparked a conversation about the human impact of incarceration and the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration. The artwork serves as a powerful reminder that while individuals may be imprisoned, their families and communities remain deeply affected, and the hope for a future beyond the prison walls endures.
BY EAMON O’DOHERTY
WIND SAIL SCULPTURE BY EAMON O’DOHERTY [ALFIE BYRNE ROAD CLONTARF]
Eamon O'Doherty's Wind Sail Sculpture on Clontarf Promenade
The Clontarf promenade is a much-loved amenity, offering stunning views of Dublin Bay. But it also serves a vital purpose: protecting the area from flooding. Before the construction of the seawall, Clontarf was prone to frequent flooding due to its location and vulnerability to southeasterly gales. The promenade now acts as the main flood defence, safeguarding homes and businesses.
As you stroll along the promenade, you'll encounter the striking "Wind Sail Sculpture", created by Derry-born artist Eamon O'Doherty in 1988. Sadly, O'Doherty passed away in August 2011, but his artistic legacy lives on. He is renowned for his large-scale public sculptures, with over 40 located worldwide, and 30 gracing various locations throughout Ireland.
Dublin is fortunate to host six of O'Doherty's pieces, including the iconic "Golden Tree" at Central Bank Plaza, the poignant James Connolly Memorial at Butt Bridge, and the affectionately nicknamed "Floozy in the Jacuzzi" fountain, originally located on O'Connell Street but now residing in Croppies Memorial Park.
The "Wind Sail Sculpture" is a kinetic work, designed to move with the wind. However, by 2009, the ravages of time and weather had taken their toll, leaving the sculpture immobile and rusted. Thanks to the efforts of local artist Anne McGill, who spearheaded a restoration project, the sculpture has been returned to its former glory. It now stands as a testament to both O'Doherty's artistic vision and the community's dedication to preserving public art.
THE MAOI SCULPTURE
MAOI SCULPTURE IN CLONTARF [REPLICA OF ONE OF THE EASTER ISLAND STATUES]
The "MAOI" sculpture in Clontarf is a replica of one of the iconic Moai statues found on Easter Island, a Chilean territory in the Pacific Ocean. It was presented to the City of Dublin by the Government of Chile in November 2004 as a symbol of friendship and cultural exchange between the two nations.
Meaning and Significance
Moai: The Moai are monolithic human figures carved by the Rapa Nui people of Easter Island between the 13th and 16th centuries. They represent ancestors and deities and were believed to possess spiritual power.
Symbolism: The gift of the Maoi to Dublin signifies a connection between two geographically distant cultures with a shared appreciation for heritage and artistry. It also serves as a reminder of Chile's Polynesian heritage and its unique cultural identity.
Cultural Exchange: The presentation of the sculpture fostered cultural exchange and understanding between Ireland and Chile, promoting awareness of each other's history and traditions.
The Sculpture
Replica: The Clontarf Maoi is a faithful replica of an original Easter Island head, carved from volcanic stone sourced from the island itself.
Artist: It was sculpted by Chilean artist Alejandro Pakarati, a member of the Rapa Nui community, ensuring authenticity in its creation.
Location: The sculpture is prominently positioned on the promenade at Clontarf, near Vernon Avenue, making it a recognisable landmark in the area.
A SCULPTURE BY ORLA DE BRI
THE BASTARD SON OF SISYPHUS [A SCULPTURE BY ORLA DE BRI]
Because of intrusive street furniture and as I had to shoot into the sun this was much more difficult to photograph than I had expected.
This striking sculpture, "The Bastard Son of Sisyphus", by Orla de Brí, is located in Park West, Dublin. It offers a contemporary interpretation of the Greek myth of Sisyphus, condemned to eternally push a boulder uphill only to watch it roll back down. De Brí's work captures the futility of Sisyphus's task, reflecting the often- Sisyphean nature of modern life.
The sculpture features an 8ft high bronze figure, backed by imposing limestone megaliths, standing above a stepped waterfall. He contemplates a 5ft bronze sphere below, symbolising the burden we continually strive to overcome.
Unveiled on 21st October 1999, at the Park West launch day, the sculpture is unfortunately somewhat marred by its surroundings. Intrusive street furniture and the presence of high-tension transmission pylons detract from the artwork's impact. Photographing the piece also proved challenging due to the position of the sun, which created difficult lighting conditions.
Further Information:
To learn more about the artist and her work, please visit www.orladebri.ie.
Photographing into the Sun: Challenges and Solutions
Photographing a subject when the sun is directly behind it presents several challenges:
Silhouettes: The subject is often rendered as a dark silhouette against a bright background.
Lens Flare: Light can scatter within the lens, creating unwanted artefacts and reducing contrast.
Dynamic Range: The difference in brightness between the subject and the background can exceed the camera's capacity to capture detail in both.
Possible Solutions:
Change Position: If possible, reposition yourself to avoid shooting directly into the sun.
Use a Lens Hood: This can help to block some of the extraneous light causing lens flare.
Filters: Graduated neutral density filters or polarising filters can help to balance the exposure.
Exposure Compensation: Dial in positive exposure compensation to brighten the subject.
Shoot in RAW format: This allows for greater flexibility in post-processing to recover detail in highlights and shadows.
WAVE BY ANGELA CONNER
I have fact-checked the information provided in various accounts and corrected the height of the sculpture, which is 39.3 metres, not 35.3 metres as sometimes reported.
Park West in Dublin is home to a striking piece of public art: Wave, a towering sculpture by renowned English artist Angela Conner FRBS. Standing at a remarkable 39.3 metres (129 feet), it claims the title of Europe's tallest wind and water mobile sculpture.
Crafted from polystyrene coated in layers of carbon resin, Wave's elegant form is anchored to a 7.6 metre (25 foot) deep pit filled with 9.5 tonnes of lead. This ingenious design allows the sculpture to gracefully sway and respond to the wind, creating a captivating spectacle of movement and balance.
Angela Conner, a celebrated sculptor with a global presence, is known for her dynamic works that often incorporate natural elements like wind and water. Her impressive portfolio includes large-scale sculptures displayed in public and private collections worldwide.
Interestingly, the initial inspiration for Wave came from observing saplings in Vermont. Conner was fascinated by their ability to bend and sway in the wind while always returning to their centre, a concept she found both visually and philosophically compelling.
Did you know? At the base of the sculpture, jets of water create a delicate spray that, when caught by the sunlight, produces a shimmering rainbow. This adds another dimension to the artwork, further connecting it to the natural world.
POISE BY ANGELA CONNER
POISE IS A SCULPTURE BY ANGELA CONNER [PARK WEST BUSINESS PARK DUBLIN MAY 2017]
I never got around to revisiting Park West Business Par
Evoking a sense of tranquility, 'Poise' is a captivating kinetic sculpture by renowned British artist Angela Conner. Known for her dynamic works that interact with natural elements, Conner has graced public spaces worldwide with her innovative creations. Here, in Park West Business Park, Dublin, 'Poise' features a large white circle, reminiscent of a celestial disc, that gently rotates in the wind. This movement casts ever-shifting shadows on the contrasting Yin and Yang form below, creating a mesmerising interplay of light and dark. Conner, a graduate of the Royal Academy Schools, has been pushing the boundaries of sculpture since the 1960s, with her works often exploring themes of balance, harmony, and the natural world.
THE BUSHY SCULPTURE
BUSHY A SCULPTURE BY CORBAN WALKER [LOCATED AT THE DUCK POND IN BUSHY PARK]
Located in the serene woodland setting of Bushy Park, Dublin, overlooking the tranquil duck pond and waterfall, stands 'Bushy', a striking sculpture by renowned Irish artist Corban Walker. Unveiled in April 2022 by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Alison Gilliland, this minimalist masterpiece adds a distinctive new dimension to the park's landscape.
Crafted from aluminium, the slender structure towers over 7 metres high, its form composed of numerous configurations of a simple stacked cellular grid. This intricate interplay of projecting, recessed, and off-set sections creates a dynamic and elegant vision that belies the complexity of its construction. The sculpture's surface, ever-changing with the light, mirrors the ripples on the adjacent water and offers a focal point for contemplation amidst the dappled shade of the mature oak trees.
Corban Walker, a graduate of the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin, has garnered international acclaim for his sculptures, installations, and drawings. Since the mid-1990s, he has been exploring philosophies of architectural scale and spatial perception through his use of industrial materials. His work has been exhibited in prestigious museums and galleries worldwide, including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York and the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) in Dublin. Walker has also undertaken significant public art commissions globally and is a member of Aosdána. In 2011, he represented Ireland at the Venice Biennale, and in 2015, he was awarded the prestigious Pollock Krasner Award.
'Bushy' was commissioned through a two-stage open competition, inviting artists to engage with Bushy Park's diverse terrains and contemporary uses, and to identify a location within the park that would inspire a sensitive and considered aesthetic response. Walker's winning proposal embodies this ethos, harmonising with its environment while offering a captivating visual experience for park visitors.
SEAN HEUSTON MEMORIAL STATUE
The Seán Heuston Memorial Statue is a tribute to Seán Heuston (1891-1916), one of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin. He was executed for his role in the rebellion against British rule, and the statue serves as a reminder of his sacrifice and contribution to Irish independence.
Here's what you should know about the statue:
Location and Legacy: It stands proudly in the People's Garden within Phoenix Park, Dublin. This location is significant as it's a popular public space, ensuring the memorial is accessible to all. Furthermore, Heuston's legacy is cemented by the nearby Heuston Station, Dublin's largest railway station. Originally named Kingsbridge Station, it was renamed in 1966 on the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rising to honour Seán Heuston, who had worked as a clerk at the station before the Rising and commanded a nearby post during the rebellion.
Appearance: The statue is a full-length standing figure of Seán Heuston, depicted in his Irish Volunteers uniform. It is made from stone and stands on a granite pedestal. It was created by the Irish sculptor, Laurence Campbell, and unveiled in 1943.
Symbolism: The statue is more than just a likeness of Heuston. It symbolises the courage and determination of those who fought for Irish independence. It also serves as a place for reflection and remembrance.
Historical Context: Heuston was Commandant of the Irish Volunteers and held the Mendicity Institution during the Rising. Though only intended as a minor position to disrupt British troops, Heuston and his men held out for two days despite being heavily outnumbered. This act of defiance, though ultimately ending in surrender and his execution, contributed to the momentum of the rebellion and the eventual establishment of the Irish Republic.
STONE STALLION
Within the grounds of the Clayton Hotel, Ballsbridge (formerly the Masonic Female Orphan School of Ireland and later, Thomas Prior House under the ownership of the Royal Dublin Society), stands a striking stone sculpture of a stallion. This imposing artwork likely dates from the period when the site was owned by the RDS, perhaps commissioned as a nod to the iconic Dublin Horse Show held annually in the adjacent showgrounds.
The Clayton Hotel, Ballsbridge, is a sophisticated four-star hotel with a rich history. In the 1880s, the building served a very different purpose, housing the Masonic Girls' School. Designed in the Queen Anne style by the renowned architectural firm of John McCurdy and William Mansfield Mitchell, the school was officially opened in 1881.
McCurdy and Mitchell were responsible for a number of significant buildings in Dublin and beyond, including:
The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin
Several buildings in Trinity College Dublin, such as the Anatomical Museum, the School of Physiology, and the Chemistry Building
Parts of Saint Columba's College, Rathfarnham
Lowther Lodge, north of Ballsbridge
The Masonic Girls' School, built at a cost of almost £15,000, occupied a spacious 10-acre site. The building featured a distinctive corner tower which housed the water supply mechanism, and incorporated schoolrooms, a library, dormitories, recreation areas, and dining halls arranged around a quadrangle.
The adjacent drill hall, now known as Thomas Prior Hall, was used for assemblies, prayers, and meetings. This impressive hall retains many of its original features, including the ornate oak-panelled walls, stained glass windows, mosaic tiling, choir balcony, and vaulted wooden ceiling.
The school closed its doors in 1970. The Royal Dublin Society subsequently purchased the building, renaming it Thomas Prior House in honour of one of their founding members. In the 1980s, the property was sold and redeveloped as a hotel.
In 2015, the hotel became part of the Dalata Hotel Group and was rebranded as the Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge, undergoing an upgrade from a three-star to a four-star establishment. Thomas Prior Hall was also renovated in 2016, sensitively modernised while preserving its historic character.
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