THE PROCLAMATION SCULPTURE

24/03/2024

THE PROCLAMATION SCULPTURE [INTENDED TO REPRESENT THE 7 WHO SIGNED BUT THERE ARE 14 BRONZE FIGURES]

The Proclamation Sculpture, created by Rowan Gillespie, stands solemnly on Inchicore Road in Dublin, directly across from the imposing Kilmainham Gaol. The sculpture consists of a series of blindfolded bronze figures arranged in a circle, surrounding a central table bearing a copy of the Irish Proclamation of Independence.

Major Event Represented

This poignant work of art commemorates a defining moment in Irish history: the Easter Rising of 1916. While initially intended to honour the seven leaders who signed the Proclamation of Independence and were subsequently executed by the British, the sculpture has a deeper significance. In memory of his grandfather, James Creed Meredith, and to acknowledge the broader sacrifice, artist Rowan Gillespie included seven additional figures. This brings the total to fourteen, representing all those executed in connection to the Rising and emphasising the collective struggle for Irish independence.

It should be noted: Fifteen of those (including all seven signatories of the Proclamation) had their sentences confirmed by Maxwell and fourteen were executed by firing squad at Kilmainham Gaol between 3 and 12 May. Maxwell stated that only the "ringleaders" and those proven to have committed "cold-blooded murder" would be executed. However, some of those executed were not leaders and did not kill anyone, such as Willie Pearse and John MacBride; Thomas Kent did not come out at all but he was executed for the killing of a police officer during the raid on his house the week after the Rising. The most prominent leader to escape execution was Éamon de Valera, Commandant of the 3rd Battalion, who did so partly because of his American birth. Hobson went into hiding, re-emerging after the June amnesty, largely to scorn.

Reason for Location

The sculpture's placement across from Kilmainham Gaol is deeply symbolic. This was the site where the leaders of the Easter Rising were imprisoned and faced their deaths.  The juxtaposition between the sculpture and the prison creates a powerful sense of remembrance and confronts the legacy of the Rising.

Design & Thought Process

Each figure in the sculpture is blindfolded, a stark reminder of the leaders facing the firing squad. Their bodies are riddled with bullet holes, a visceral representation of the violence they endured.  The central table prominently displays the Proclamation of Independence, highlighting the ideals for which they fought.  Inscribed at the base of each figure are the execution orders and verdicts, adding a personalising touch while emphasising their collective sacrifice.

Materials

The use of bronze lends a sense of permanence and monumentality to the sculpture, appropriate for its commemorative purpose. Stone is likely used as a structural element for the base or the central table.

Artist - Rowan Gillespie

Rowan Gillespie is an Irish sculptor born in Dublin, known for his thought-provoking and often commemorative public works.  His other notable sculptures include the Famine Memorial on Custom House Quay, Dublin, and various figures of historical importance. Gillespie's work frequently grapples with themes of Irish history, memory, and trauma, presented with a sense of stark realism.

Tourist Attraction

The Proclamation Sculpture attracts visitors due to its historical significance; the Easter Rising holds immense importance in shaping Irish identity.  Its location near the popular tourist destination of Kilmainham Gaol increases its visibility.  Furthermore, the sculpture's somber beauty and visceral nature evoke a powerful emotional response, making it a memorable and moving experience for visitors.

I HATE IT WHEN A SCULPTURE LACKS A NAME

24/03/2024

UNTITLED SCULPTURE 1988 BY TONY CRAGG [I HATE IT WHEN A SCULPTURE LACKS A NAME] 

About the Artist: Sir Anthony Douglas Cragg CBE RA, also known as Tony Cragg, is an Anglo-German sculptor born in Liverpool on 9 April 1949.  His early work as a lab technician likely influenced his ongoing fascination with science and technology, themes which are clearly reflected in his art. Since 1977, he has been based in Wuppertal, Germany. He studied art at Gloucestershire College of Arts and Technology, Cheltenham, Wimbledon School of Art, London, and the Royal College of Art, London, where he completed an MA in 1977.

About the Sculpture: The sculpture 'Untitled'  explores the form of a glass bottle or flask, revealing Cragg's interest in science, technology, and manufacturing.  Though cast in bronze, the sculpture retains the familiar shape of laboratory glassware, creating an intriguing contrast.  The work's dynamic form suggests movement; the sweeping contour, or 'open lip', implies a fluidity between upright and horizontal positions. This exemplifies Cragg's focus on transformation and the potential within seemingly static objects.

About the Venue:  The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), Ireland's leading national institution for modern and contemporary art, is located in Kilmainham, Dublin.

RENDEZVOUS BY BOB QUINN

06/01/2024

TODAY I HAD A RENDEZVOUS WITHIN  THE UCD UNIVERSITY CAMPUS [6 JANUARY WHICH IS WOMEN'S CHRISTMAS OR LITTLE CHRISTMAS HERE IN IRELAND]

This sculpture is Rendezvous and it is by Bob Quinn. Quinn (b.1948, Britain) had a successful career as a graphic designer. Since 2002 he is a full time figurative sculptor working mainly in bronze. 

As it was Women's Christmas I decided to visit my mother who will be 104 in May. This date two years ago she decided to move to a Nursing Home and that caught everyone by surprise but the family organised it so that at least one person a day would visit her. This year it was difficult to maintain the schedule as not many family members remained in Dublin for Christmas. The nursing home is effectively within the University Campus and normally I would bring my mother for a walk through parts of the campus but today she was not interested in going outside as it was too cold. The sunlight was beautiful but it was very cold.

The celebration of the feast of the Epiphany in Ireland, January 6th is marked by Nollaig na mBan or Women's Little Christmas. On this day it is the tradition in Ireland for the women to get together and enjoy their own Christmas, while the men folk stay at home and handle all the chores. It is also common for children to buy their mothers and grandmothers presents on this day, though this custom is gradually being overtaken by Mothers Day.

Although Nollaig na mBan is slowly dying out in many parts of Ireland, in Co. Cork on the South West coast, the tradition is still very strong. Many bars and restaurants in Cork City report a near 100% female clientele on this day, as the Corkonian women meet up with girl friends, sisters, aunts and mothers to celebrate their own little Christmas with Nollaig na mBan.

AMAZING MURAL BY LULA GOCE

21/10/2023

BOANN IS AN AMAZING MURAL BY LULA GOCE [BUT WHAT ABOUT THE CHEMTRAILS?]

Boann was the goddess who was said to have created the river Boyne (which is named after her) when she defied her husband to approach the sacred and mystical Nechtain's Well.

Lula Goce, born in Galicia, Spain, is fascinated by the dialogue that occurs between passers-by and residents, and the impact that murals/street art have on an area.

When I visited Drogheda last week there was a large number of aircraft movements to be seen in the very blue sky and when I was attempting to photograph this large mural I was approached by two people who were convinced that I was photographing contrails which they referred to as chemtrails and unfortunately it was difficult to get away from them. I encounter this on a regular basis and in general it does not bother me but today I could not concentrate on photographing the immediate area and I will need to return at a later date.

The chemtrail conspiracy theory is the belief that long-lasting condensation trails left in the sky by high-flying aircraft are actually "chemtrails" consisting of chemical or biological agents, sprayed for nefarious purposes undisclosed to the general public. Believers in this conspiracy theory say that while normal contrails dissipate relatively quickly, contrails that linger must contain additional substances. Those who subscribe to the theory speculate that the purpose of the chemical release may be solar radiation management, weather modification, psychological manipulation, human population control, biological or chemical warfare, or testing of biological or chemical agents on a population, and that the trails are causing respiratory illnesses and other health problems.

The term chemtrail blends the words chemical and trail, just as contrail blends condensation and trail.

DRAWDA - a curated multidisciplinary public arts programme, launched in Drogheda between November 2021, and April 2022, culminating in an Urban Art Trail throughout Drogheda that focuses on key figures and moments from Ireland's mythological past.