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ROWAN GILLESPIE’S TITANICA

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TITANIC BELFAST VISITOR ATTRACTION

Titanica: A Symbol of Hope and Legacy

This powerful sculpture, titled Titanica, depicts a diving female figure gracefully mounted on a slender base. Standing at life-size and weighing an impressive three-quarters of a ton, it commands a significant presence.

The artwork draws profound inspiration from the traditional figureheads that once adorned the prows of sailing ships, connecting it directly to maritime history and the age of grand voyages. However, Titanica’s purpose goes deeper than mere nautical homage. It was specifically created to embody hope and positivity, particularly in relation to the poignant Titanic story and Belfast’s enduring shipbuilding legacy.

Adding another layer of interpretation, the sculpture’s design subtly incorporates a cruciform shape when viewed from the front. This deliberate artistic choice allows for deeper contemplation of the interconnected themes of death and life, acknowledging the tragedy of the Titanic while still emphasizing resilience and renewal.

The Artist: Rowan Gillespie

Titanica is the masterful creation of Rowan Gillespie, a highly respected and renowned Irish sculptor. Gillespie is celebrated for his compelling and often haunting bronze figures that frequently grace public spaces, evoking strong emotional responses. He dedicated 12 months to the creation of Titanica, a testament to his commitment to the piece. Gillespie has openly expressed his profound honor at having his work displayed in front of Titanic Belfast, a location he found immensely inspiring throughout the creative process.

TITANICA IS A SCULPTURE BY ROWAN GILLESPIE AT THE TITANIC BELFAST VISITOR ATTRACTION

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY INFOMATIQUE

Titanica is a striking bronze sculpture situated prominently outside the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction in the Titanic Quarter.

It depicts a diving female figure, mounted on a slender base.
The sculpture draws inspiration from the traditional figureheads that adorned the prows of sailing ships.

It was created to represent hope and positivity, especially in the context of the Titanic story and Belfast’s shipbuilding legacy. Its design also subtly incorporates a “cruciform” shape when viewed from the front, allowing for deeper interpretations of death and life.

Weighing three-quarters of a ton, it’s a life-sized and impactful piece.

The Artist: The sculpture was created by the renowned Irish sculptor Rowan Gillespie. Gillespie is known for his powerful and often haunting bronze figures in public spaces. He spent 12 months working on Titanica and expressed his honour at having his work displayed in front of Titanic Belfast, which he found incredibly inspiring.