Bronze artwork symbolic of area where two traditions gather to meet
IT will be interesting to hear the comments that are certain to be coined in the next few months about the new sculpture that was installed last week in Dundalk’s St.Nicholas Quarter.
As always, with public pieces of art of this nature, there is always a ready available wit who will be first out of the blocks with a satirical comment.
Whatever about the christening of the bronze sculpture, it is to be hoped that it will not become a target for vandals, or those spray canister merchants, who have ruined many public art works, such as the Phil Lynott statue in Dublin.
The Dundalk piece, titled ‘Heart Space’ is by Drogheda artist, Brenda Marron, and depicts two abstract swan figures, with the inspiration for the piece coming from the concept of two beings, showing true love, by holding space for each other without touching.
That interpretation, when given over a few pints in one of the nearby hostelries in Church Street or Bridge Street - if and when they ever open again - will provoke a few pungent comments, and perhaps, in time, a name will emerge the sculpture, other than that chosen by the artist.
All of this should not take away from the obvious fact that it is a very fine piece of work which links back to the Celtic concept of an “Abam Cara”, the Irish phrase for ‘ Soul Friend’.
Many also like the idea that the sculpture is located in an area between the two St. Nicholas churches, representing the Catholic and Protestant traditions, and in a place where both communities have gathered over the years for their respective services.
Of course, as with many works of art, they are not always appreciated and there are those who argue that the money - in some cases considerable sums - should be spent on more practical public amenities.
For some years now all significant public works must include a budget to accommodate a work of act, and the EU, who in most cases, provide financial assistance for such works, have insisted on this.
At times and with projects in the past, including some in this area, like one or two on the MI, it is difficult to see the value of the piece of art chosen, or exactly the concept that the artist is trying to convey.
This is not the case with many others, which are exceptional both in design and theory, and one feels that the work just unveiled by Breda Marron falls into that category.
It is also good to see promising artists getting commissions of this nature, for it provides an excellent show case for their work.
The ‘Heart Space’ adds a fitting final touch to the entire St. Nicholas Quarter area which is now finished, and leaving aside the controversy over the junction from Linenhall Street into Church Street, the area looks exceptionally well.
Well done one and all.
Picture Ken Finegan/Newspics.