"Protectour" 2021 (in progress) Portlaoise, Co Laois
"Protectour" 2021, in progress
for Portlaoise, Co Laois, concrete and stainless steel, multpiple features.
The focal point for the artwork is a large arch that marks the celebratory
nature of sports, referencing the nearby O'Moore Park. The form of the
post and lintel arch is inspired by the footprint of the historic Old
Fort "Protectour", which was essentially a square fort with
a square tower on one corner.
Accompanying this arch are seven orbital forms, placed so that they
sweep through an arc creating a curving and rotating composition. This
implies further form below ground level. The seven smaller concrete
forms with their own stainless steel corners accompany the arch. These
represent the seven septs of Laois, the original major clans that were
then "transplanted" out of Laois to Munster and Connaught. The large
arch and the smaller forms represent a historic transfer of power in
Laois.
Public engagement is an important part of this commission and will be
incorporated through the concept of a "time capsule". The sculptural
form is both rising from and sinking below ground level, which implies
a passage of time and points toward concepts of archaeology and history.
Meetings held with a number of local community groups and schools will
tease out the idea of a time capsule and those involved will be encouraged
to contribute. This will allow the community of today to leave a legacy
that will be incorporated into the stainless steel cube of the post
and lintel arch.
Image Details
- Proposal Image
- Proposal Image
- Proposal Image
- Proposal Image