"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