Searching for the soul of the city
Giant Hares In O’Connell Street
By Hans Karssenberg
13-06-2007 /views: 3457 in past 12 months.
What are these hares doing on the streets in Dublin?
Photos: Infomatique
Part of the Inspiring Cities Dublin Week we raise the question: so how is Dublin doing in terms of integrating culture in the city? Besides the CityPoems, we look at four projects. In the first, six giant bronze Hare sculptures, by one of the world’s most renowned sculptors, Barry Flanagan, on O’Connell Street.
As a celebration of the refurbishment of O’Connell Street, ten monumental bronze sculptures have been installed on the capital’s main thoroughfare. Over the weekend of 20th May 2006, the first steps were taken to install Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane’s first-ever outdoor exhibition.
“This was a major coup not only for the Gallery but also for the city of Dublin,” said Barbara Dawson, Director of Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane. “This was Flanagan’s first exhibition in Ireland and it’ was incredibly exciting to be able to bring art onto the street where it can be viewed in people’s very own environment”.
Beginning on O’Connell Bridge, the Hares progressed up the central median of O’Connell Streetand along Parnell square to the Gallery’s forecourt. “Barry Flanagan’s monumental bronzes have been exhibited in other prestigious streetscapes such as Park Avenue in New York and the Champs Elysées in Paris and this unique and quite exceptional exhibition demonstrates Ireland’s ability to host world-class exhibitions in the heart of the capital city. Exhibitions of this quality and reputation ensure that Ireland remains a key player on the international stage and will attract, not only local and national interest, but world-wide visitors too,” said Ms Dawson.
Photo: Infomatique
Barry Flanagan
Barry Flanagan (born 1941) is a contemporary artist best known for his large bronze statues of hares.
The giant hares range in height from 3m to 9m (9ft – 23ft approx) and weigh several tons apiece.
Born in Prestatyn, North Wales, Barry Flanagan has lived in Dublin since 2000 and has become an Irish citizen. The six works installed were:
- An Unlikely alliance (Cougar and Elephant) Outside McDonalds
- The Thinker on Rock Opposite Easons
- Acrobats Site of Anna Livia Central median
- Hare and Bell Site of Anna Livia Central median
- Nijinsky South of Father Matthew Statue Central Median
- Drummer Nearly opposite old Aer Lingus offices, between trees on final median
Beginning on O’Connell Bridge, the Hares progressed up the central median of O’Connell Streetand along Parnell square to the Gallery’s forecourt. “Barry Flanagan’s monumental bronzes have been exhibited in other prestigious streetscapes such as Park Avenue in New York and the Champs Elysées in Paris and this unique and quite exceptional exhibition demonstrates Ireland’s ability to host world-class exhibitions in the heart of the capital city. Exhibitions of this quality and reputation ensure that Ireland remains a key player on the international stage and will attract, not only local and national interest, but world-wide visitors too,” said Ms Dawson.
Photo: Infomatique
Barry Flanagan
Barry Flanagan (born 1941) is a contemporary artist best known for his large bronze statues of hares.
The giant hares range in height from 3m to 9m (9ft – 23ft approx) and weigh several tons apiece.
Born in Prestatyn, North Wales, Barry Flanagan has lived in Dublin since 2000 and has become an Irish citizen. The six works installed were:
- An Unlikely alliance (Cougar and Elephant) Outside McDonalds
- The Thinker on Rock Opposite Easons
- Acrobats Site of Anna Livia Central median
- Hare and Bell Site of Anna Livia Central median
- Nijinsky South of Father Matthew Statue Central Median
- Drummer Nearly opposite old Aer Lingus offices, between trees on final median
Photos: Infomatique
Photo: Jaqian
For more Dublin Cult Up Your City on Inspiring Cities, see:
> Street Art Dublin: Asbestos
> U2 in Dublin
> Happy Bloomsday! James Joyce in Dublin
> Oscar Wilde on Merrion Square, Dublin
> Giant Hares in O’Connell Street, by artist Barry Flanagan
> Inspiring Cities Debate: Potential for Art in Urban Spaces
> Wall of Fame part 1 and part 2
Most of these articles were published as part of Dublin Week in 2007. Follow the link for an overview of the total of 35 articles published.
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