DIPPING THE OTHER WING SCULPTURE BY EILIS O'CONNELL
DIPPING THE OTHER WING SCULPTURE BY EILIS O'CONNELL [A RECENT ADDITION TO WILTON PARK]
Dipping the Other Wing: Eilis O'Connell's Sculpture at Wilton Park
Wilton Park, nestled along Dublin's Grand Canal, has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a once overlooked space to a vibrant urban oasis. This revitalisation is exemplified by the recent installation of "Dipping the Other Wing," a striking sculpture by renowned Irish artist Eilis O'Connell. This article explores the history of Wilton Park, the artistic background of O'Connell, and the significance of her sculpture within this renewed urban landscape.
Eilis O'Connell: A Sculptor's Journey
Born in Derry, Northern Ireland, in 1953, Eilis O'Connell is a celebrated sculptor whose work graces public and private spaces across Ireland and the UK. Her artistic training began at the Crawford School of Art in Cork and continued at the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston. Further research fellowships at The British School at Rome and P.S.I. in New York honed her skills. O'Connell's talent was recognised early on with the G.P.A. Award for Emerging Artists in 1981.
In 1988, O'Connell established a studio in London, where she remained for over a decade, exhibiting widely and undertaking numerous public art commissions. Returning to Ireland in 2002, she continued her artistic practice, creating and exhibiting work while accepting commissions for both public and private clients.
O'Connell's sculptures are characterised by their distinctive forms, often inspired by archaeology, architecture, and found objects. She employs a diverse range of materials, including stone, rubber, steel, cord, feathers, and cast metal, to create visually arresting and thought-provoking pieces. Her work has been showcased at prestigious international events such as the Venice, Paris, and São Paulo Biennales, with smaller sculptures exhibited at the Guggenheim Museum in Venice. Solo exhibitions include a 10-year retrospective at Arnolfini, Bristol (1999–2000), an exhibition at Canary Wharf in 2002, and a show at the Fenton Gallery in Cork in 2003.
Among O'Connell's notable works is "The Great Wall of Kinsale" (1988), a 179-foot-long rusted steel sculpture that generated significant public debate upon its installation. Despite initial criticism and some unauthorised alterations, it remains a significant piece of Irish public art. In 2018, her outdoor sculptures were featured at E1027, Eileen Gray's iconic house in Cap Martin, France.
O'Connell's contributions to the art world have earned her numerous accolades, including the Art and Work award for her sculptures at 99 Bishopsgate and a Royal Society of Arts Award in 1998. She is a founding director of the National Sculpture Factory in Cork, a former member of the Arts Council of Ireland, and a member of Aosdána and the Royal Hibernian Academy.
Wilton Park: From Overlooked Space to Urban Oasis
Wilton Park's history reflects the changing urban landscape of Dublin. While details of its early history are scarce, it’s known that the area surrounding the park had a different character in the past. Many accounts from the 1960s - 1980s mention the presence of a active red-light district in the vicinity, referencing the historically significant Monto district, which operated from the 1860s to the 1950s. While there's no direct link between the Monto and Wilton Park itself, it's important to acknowledge the area's complex social history.
The recent redevelopment of Wilton Park, completed in late 2024, marks a significant turning point. This project, part of a larger mixed-use development by IPUT Real Estate, has transformed the area into a vibrant hub with office spaces, restaurants, and artist studios. The park's renovation included restoring the Victorian fountain, planting new greenery, and creating inviting public spaces.
IPUT Real Estate's commitment to sustainability is central to the project, with an ambition to be one of Europe's greenest property funds. To measure the development's impact, IPUT launched "Making Impact," a research study assessing social, cultural, environmental, and economic metrics.
"Dipping the Other Wing": A Symbol of Renewal
"Dipping the Other Wing," commissioned by IPUT and installed in late 2024, serves as a focal point within the revitalised park. The sculpture's title is taken from a short story by Irish writer Mary Lavin, who lived on nearby Lad Lane. Crafted from highly polished stainless steel, the abstract form suggests movement and fluidity, reflecting the dynamic energy of the park.
The sculpture honours Lavin and other literary figures, such as Patrick Kavanagh and Elizabeth Bowen, associated with the "Baggotonia" area. Its placement near the newly established Mary Lavin Place further emphasises the connection between literature, art, and the park's identity.
"Dipping the Other Wing" embodies the spirit of renewal and transformation that characterises Wilton Park's recent history. It acts as a visual anchor, highlighting the park's revitalisation and its emergence as a cultural space. The sculpture’s reflective surface and dynamic form invite interaction and reflection.
While there is no explicit connection between the sculpture and the area's past as a red-light district, its presence in a space that has undergone such a significant change can be interpreted as a symbolic representation of the area's journey towards a more inclusive and vibrant future.
Conclusion
"Dipping the Other Wing" stands as a testament to Wilton Park's evolving narrative. Eilis O'Connell's sculpture, with its fluid lines and reflective surface, resonates with the dynamic energy of the revitalised park. The sculpture's connection to Mary Lavin's work adds a literary dimension, reflecting themes of change and memory. As Wilton Park continues to evolve, "Dipping the Other Wing" serves as a powerful symbol of its resilience, its connection to the past, and its promising future
Dipping the Other Wing: Eilis O'Connell's Sculpture at Wilton Park
Wilton Park, nestled along Dublin's Grand Canal, has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a once overlooked space to a vibrant urban oasis. This revitalisation is exemplified by the recent installation of "Dipping the Other Wing," a striking sculpture by renowned Irish artist Eilis O'Connell. This article explores the history of Wilton Park, the artistic background of O'Connell, and the significance of her sculpture within this renewed urban landscape.
Eilis O'Connell: A Sculptor's Journey
Born in Derry, Northern Ireland, in 1953, Eilis O'Connell is a celebrated sculptor whose work graces public and private spaces across Ireland and the UK. Her artistic training began at the Crawford School of Art in Cork and continued at the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston. Further research fellowships at The British School at Rome and P.S.I. in New York honed her skills. O'Connell's talent was recognised early on with the G.P.A. Award for Emerging Artists in 1981.
In 1988, O'Connell established a studio in London, where she remained for over a decade, exhibiting widely and undertaking numerous public art commissions. Returning to Ireland in 2002, she continued her artistic practice, creating and exhibiting work while accepting commissions for both public and private clients.
O'Connell's sculptures are characterised by their distinctive forms, often inspired by archaeology, architecture, and found objects. She employs a diverse range of materials, including stone, rubber, steel, cord, feathers, and cast metal, to create visually arresting and thought-provoking pieces. Her work has been showcased at prestigious international events such as the Venice, Paris, and São Paulo Biennales, with smaller sculptures exhibited at the Guggenheim Museum in Venice. Solo exhibitions include a 10-year retrospective at Arnolfini, Bristol (1999–2000), an exhibition at Canary Wharf in 2002, and a show at the Fenton Gallery in Cork in 2003.
Among O'Connell's notable works is "The Great Wall of Kinsale" (1988), a 179-foot-long rusted steel sculpture that generated significant public debate upon its installation. Despite initial criticism and some unauthorised alterations, it remains a significant piece of Irish public art. In 2018, her outdoor sculptures were featured at E1027, Eileen Gray's iconic house in Cap Martin, France.
O'Connell's contributions to the art world have earned her numerous accolades, including the Art and Work award for her sculptures at 99 Bishopsgate and a Royal Society of Arts Award in 1998. She is a founding director of the National Sculpture Factory in Cork, a former member of the Arts Council of Ireland, and a member of Aosdána and the Royal Hibernian Academy.
Wilton Park: From Overlooked Space to Urban Oasis
Wilton Park's history reflects the changing urban landscape of Dublin. While details of its early history are scarce, it’s known that the area surrounding the park had a different character in the past. Many accounts from the 1960s - 1980s mention the presence of a active red-light district in the vicinity, referencing the historically significant Monto district, which operated from the 1860s to the 1950s. While there's no direct link between the Monto and Wilton Park itself, it's important to acknowledge the area's complex social history.
The recent redevelopment of Wilton Park, completed in late 2024, marks a significant turning point. This project, part of a larger mixed-use development by IPUT Real Estate, has transformed the area into a vibrant hub with office spaces, restaurants, and artist studios. The park's renovation included restoring the Victorian fountain, planting new greenery, and creating inviting public spaces.
IPUT Real Estate's commitment to sustainability is central to the project, with an ambition to be one of Europe's greenest property funds. To measure the development's impact, IPUT launched "Making Impact," a research study assessing social, cultural, environmental, and economic metrics.
"Dipping the Other Wing": A Symbol of Renewal
"Dipping the Other Wing," commissioned by IPUT and installed in late 2024, serves as a focal point within the revitalised park. The sculpture's title is taken from a short story by Irish writer Mary Lavin, who lived on nearby Lad Lane. Crafted from highly polished stainless steel, the abstract form suggests movement and fluidity, reflecting the dynamic energy of the park.
The sculpture honours Lavin and other literary figures, such as Patrick Kavanagh and Elizabeth Bowen, associated with the "Baggotonia" area. Its placement near the newly established Mary Lavin Place further emphasises the connection between literature, art, and the park's identity.
"Dipping the Other Wing" embodies the spirit of renewal and transformation that characterises Wilton Park's recent history. It acts as a visual anchor, highlighting the park's revitalisation and its emergence as a cultural space. The sculpture’s reflective surface and dynamic form invite interaction and reflection.
While there is no explicit connection between the sculpture and the area's past as a red-light district, its presence in a space that has undergone such a significant change can be interpreted as a symbolic representation of the area's journey towards a more inclusive and vibrant future.
Conclusion
"Dipping the Other Wing" stands as a testament to Wilton Park's evolving narrative. Eilis O'Connell's sculpture, with its fluid lines and reflective surface, resonates with the dynamic energy of the revitalised park. The sculpture's connection to Mary Lavin's work adds a literary dimension, reflecting themes of change and memory. As Wilton Park continues to evolve, "Dipping the Other Wing" serves as a powerful symbol of its resilience, its connection to the past, and its promising future
DIPPING THE OTHER WING SCULPTURE BY EILIS O'CONNELL