‘Of books, questions and other things’

 

 

Project: ‘Of books, questions and other things’

Artist: Declan Breen

Public Art Co-ordinator: Rina Whyte

Location: Leixlip Library play area

Medium: Stainless steel

About the artist:

Declan Breen is a Wexford based Sculptor, he graduated from The National College of Art and Design in 1979. Declan returned to Wexford in 1983 and was prominent in the setting up of the Wexford Sculpture Workshops where he had a studio until 1995. His work has been exhibited extensively throughout Ireland, commissioned works include site specific sculptors for The 1798 Centre, Enniscorthy, Co.Wexford, Belgooly, Co.Cork, Clifden Co. Galway, Waterford Regional Hospital and Per Cent for Art works for many County Councils throughout the country.

About the artwork:

‘Of books questions and other things’ – Leixlip Library Courtyard

My primary concern when designing these sculptures was to create somewhere to be rather than something to be just looked at. This involved a certain level of functionality i.e. somewhere to sit, creating a place, which could extend and facilitate the programs of the library. The sculptures evolved horizontally creating a dynamic between the different elements; placing them on a patterned base enhanced this. The ideas evolved from games and stories, it involved changing the scale of the objects to create a space that was out of the ordinary evoking an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ feel where things are not as they should be, benches transform into animals to carry you off, trees have anthropomorphic characteristics, out-sized question marks and fish twist and curl on chequer board surfaces. Places where the everyday reality gets left at the door!