ENJOYING THE SUN IS A SCULPTURE OF A COW BY JACKIE McKENNA
ENJOYING THE SUN IS A SCULPTURE OF A COW BY JACKIE McKENNA [CHRISTMAS DAY 2024]
Before I went to a friend's home for Christmas Dinner I had a few hours to spare and enjoyed exploring Dublin as it is when everything is closed. I did meet a number of very confused visitors to Dublin who could not believed that every business was closed and they were even more surprised to discover that there was no public transport available. I should mention that there were two restaurants open Capel Street but they were packed with regulars who had pre-booked.
Ag Crú na Gréine “Enjoying the Sun” (2003) by Jackie McKenna
Jackie McKenna's "Ag Crú na Gréine “Enjoying the Sun”" is a life-size bronze sculpture of a cow that has/had graced Wolfe Tone Square in Dublin since its installation in 2003. The sculpture was commissioned by AXA Insurance.
History of the Sculpture
"Ag Crú na Gréine" ("Enjoying the Sun") is a life-size bronze sculpture of a reclining cow by Irish sculptor Jackie McKenna. Commissioned by AXA Insurance, it was originally installed in Wolfe Tone Square in Dublin in 2003. The sculpture was created using the lost wax method, with the artist engaging local farmers in the modelling process to ensure anatomical accuracy. In 2017, the sculpture was relocated to Wood Quay during renovations of Wolfe Tone Square, with the intention of returning it after the work was completed. However, it remains at Wood Quay today, for reasons that are not entirely clear.
About the Artist
Jackie McKenna was born in Manorhamilton, County Leitrim, Ireland in 1958. Her artistic journey began with studies in Fine Art in Sligo, followed by a degree in Sculpture at Dun Laoghaire College of Art. For over forty years, McKenna has dedicated herself to creating site-specific, large-scale outdoor sculptures, primarily through public commissions.
McKenna's artistic practice extends beyond the creation of aesthetically pleasing forms. She views art as a powerful tool for social engagement and community building. She actively involves communities in her work, collaborating with diverse groups, including refugees, asylum seekers, prisoners, and family carers. Through participatory workshops and collaborative projects, she aims to empower individuals and foster a sense of belonging. Her work often explores themes of memory, identity, and cultural diversity, encouraging dialogue and understanding.
McKenna's artistic philosophy centres on the belief that art should be accessible to all and that it can play a transformative role in society. She strives to create art that is not only visually engaging but also thought-provoking and meaningful to the communities where it is situated. Her practice often involves collaboration with other art forms and practitioners, such as writers, actors, musicians, and filmmakers, enriching the creative process and expanding the possibilities of artistic expression.
In addition to her artistic endeavours, McKenna has played a vital role in the development and promotion of the arts in Ireland. She was an active member of the Sculpture Society of Ireland in the 1980s and served on the Cultural Relations Committee for eight years. In 1997, she co-founded the Leitrim Sculpture Centre, a testament to her commitment to fostering artistic expression and providing a platform for artists to connect and create.
Other Notable Works by Jackie McKenna
Jackie McKenna's diverse body of work includes numerous public sculptures throughout Ireland. Some of her notable creations are listed in the table below:
Loughshinney Yawl 2020 - Limestone & Stainless Steel. Loughshinney Co Dublin
Mo Cheoil Thu – Music Path 2019 - Stainless Steel and Polished Concrete. Manorhamilton Co Leitrim
Mountains & Glens – Installation 2019 - Stone and Water. Manorhamilton Co Leitrim
Church Fields 2018 - Limestone. Ashbourne Co. Meath
Danu 2016 - Stone. Drumshanbo Community Park
Ar Scath a Cheile a Mhaireann na Daoine 2015-16 Mirrored Stainless Steel - Limestone. Ballinamore Community School
Brian Stack – Bust 2013 - Bronze. Irish Prison Service, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
Irish Women Workers Union - Installation 2012 - Vitreous Enamel & Stone. Liberty Hall, Dublin
The Garden of Sound – Public Garden 2008-09 - Sculpture & Landscape. Culfadda, Sligo
U.N.I.F.I.L. Memorial 2007 - Stone. Sligo
Train-Spotter – Public Sculpture 2005 - Bronze and Stone. Dromod, Co. Leitrim
Giant Clam Shell with Constellations 2004 - bronze, stone, fibre optics. Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre
William Butler Yeats Commerative Sculpture 2002 - Bronze and Stone. Drumcliffe, Co Sligo
Meeting Place 1988 - Bronze and stone. Liffey Street, Dublin
Jackie McKenna's "Ag Crú na Gréine “Enjoying the Sun” (2003)" is more than just a life-size bronze sculpture of a cow; it is a symbol of community engagement, artistic innovation, and the enduring connection between art and culture. The sculpture's creation, involving the participation of local farmers, highlights McKenna's inclusive approach to art-making and her belief in the power of collaboration. Its placement in Wolfe Tone Square, a location steeped in history, adds another layer of meaning to the artwork, prompting reflection on Dublin's past and the enduring presence of cattle in Irish culture.
McKenna's artistic practice is characterized by a deep commitment to social engagement and a belief in the transformative power of art. Through her work, she explores themes of memory, identity, and cultural diversity, creating spaces for dialogue and understanding. Her contributions to the Irish art scene, including her involvement in the Sculpture Society of Ireland and the establishment of the Leitrim Sculpture Centre, solidify her position as a significant figure in contemporary Irish sculpture. "Ag Crú na Gréine “Enjoying the Sun”" stands as a testament to her artistic vision and her dedication to creating art that is both beautiful and meaningful.
Before I went to a friend's home for Christmas Dinner I had a few hours to spare and enjoyed exploring Dublin as it is when everything is closed. I did meet a number of very confused visitors to Dublin who could not believed that every business was closed and they were even more surprised to discover that there was no public transport available. I should mention that there were two restaurants open Capel Street but they were packed with regulars who had pre-booked.
Ag Crú na Gréine “Enjoying the Sun” (2003) by Jackie McKenna
Jackie McKenna's "Ag Crú na Gréine “Enjoying the Sun”" is a life-size bronze sculpture of a cow that has/had graced Wolfe Tone Square in Dublin since its installation in 2003. The sculpture was commissioned by AXA Insurance.
History of the Sculpture
"Ag Crú na Gréine" ("Enjoying the Sun") is a life-size bronze sculpture of a reclining cow by Irish sculptor Jackie McKenna. Commissioned by AXA Insurance, it was originally installed in Wolfe Tone Square in Dublin in 2003. The sculpture was created using the lost wax method, with the artist engaging local farmers in the modelling process to ensure anatomical accuracy. In 2017, the sculpture was relocated to Wood Quay during renovations of Wolfe Tone Square, with the intention of returning it after the work was completed. However, it remains at Wood Quay today, for reasons that are not entirely clear.
About the Artist
Jackie McKenna was born in Manorhamilton, County Leitrim, Ireland in 1958. Her artistic journey began with studies in Fine Art in Sligo, followed by a degree in Sculpture at Dun Laoghaire College of Art. For over forty years, McKenna has dedicated herself to creating site-specific, large-scale outdoor sculptures, primarily through public commissions.
McKenna's artistic practice extends beyond the creation of aesthetically pleasing forms. She views art as a powerful tool for social engagement and community building. She actively involves communities in her work, collaborating with diverse groups, including refugees, asylum seekers, prisoners, and family carers. Through participatory workshops and collaborative projects, she aims to empower individuals and foster a sense of belonging. Her work often explores themes of memory, identity, and cultural diversity, encouraging dialogue and understanding.
McKenna's artistic philosophy centres on the belief that art should be accessible to all and that it can play a transformative role in society. She strives to create art that is not only visually engaging but also thought-provoking and meaningful to the communities where it is situated. Her practice often involves collaboration with other art forms and practitioners, such as writers, actors, musicians, and filmmakers, enriching the creative process and expanding the possibilities of artistic expression.
In addition to her artistic endeavours, McKenna has played a vital role in the development and promotion of the arts in Ireland. She was an active member of the Sculpture Society of Ireland in the 1980s and served on the Cultural Relations Committee for eight years. In 1997, she co-founded the Leitrim Sculpture Centre, a testament to her commitment to fostering artistic expression and providing a platform for artists to connect and create.
Other Notable Works by Jackie McKenna
Jackie McKenna's diverse body of work includes numerous public sculptures throughout Ireland. Some of her notable creations are listed in the table below:
Loughshinney Yawl 2020 - Limestone & Stainless Steel. Loughshinney Co Dublin
Mo Cheoil Thu – Music Path 2019 - Stainless Steel and Polished Concrete. Manorhamilton Co Leitrim
Mountains & Glens – Installation 2019 - Stone and Water. Manorhamilton Co Leitrim
Church Fields 2018 - Limestone. Ashbourne Co. Meath
Danu 2016 - Stone. Drumshanbo Community Park
Ar Scath a Cheile a Mhaireann na Daoine 2015-16 Mirrored Stainless Steel - Limestone. Ballinamore Community School
Brian Stack – Bust 2013 - Bronze. Irish Prison Service, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
Irish Women Workers Union - Installation 2012 - Vitreous Enamel & Stone. Liberty Hall, Dublin
The Garden of Sound – Public Garden 2008-09 - Sculpture & Landscape. Culfadda, Sligo
U.N.I.F.I.L. Memorial 2007 - Stone. Sligo
Train-Spotter – Public Sculpture 2005 - Bronze and Stone. Dromod, Co. Leitrim
Giant Clam Shell with Constellations 2004 - bronze, stone, fibre optics. Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre
William Butler Yeats Commerative Sculpture 2002 - Bronze and Stone. Drumcliffe, Co Sligo
Meeting Place 1988 - Bronze and stone. Liffey Street, Dublin
Jackie McKenna's "Ag Crú na Gréine “Enjoying the Sun” (2003)" is more than just a life-size bronze sculpture of a cow; it is a symbol of community engagement, artistic innovation, and the enduring connection between art and culture. The sculpture's creation, involving the participation of local farmers, highlights McKenna's inclusive approach to art-making and her belief in the power of collaboration. Its placement in Wolfe Tone Square, a location steeped in history, adds another layer of meaning to the artwork, prompting reflection on Dublin's past and the enduring presence of cattle in Irish culture.
McKenna's artistic practice is characterized by a deep commitment to social engagement and a belief in the transformative power of art. Through her work, she explores themes of memory, identity, and cultural diversity, creating spaces for dialogue and understanding. Her contributions to the Irish art scene, including her involvement in the Sculpture Society of Ireland and the establishment of the Leitrim Sculpture Centre, solidify her position as a significant figure in contemporary Irish sculpture. "Ag Crú na Gréine “Enjoying the Sun”" stands as a testament to her artistic vision and her dedication to creating art that is both beautiful and meaningful.
ENJOYING THE SUN IS A SCULPTURE OF A COW BY JACKIE McKENNA