SCULPTURE OF A SEA URCHIN BY RACHEL JOYNT
MOTHERSHIP HAS BECOME A DUN LAOGHAIRE ICON [SCULPTURE OF A SEA URCHIN BY RACHEL JOYNT]
Note: Nearby there is an excellent sculpture by Rachel's father, Dick Joynt. I will discuss it in a future post.
Commissioned in 1998 through an open competition as part of the Per Cent for Art Scheme for the Dun Laoghaire Drainage Scheme, Mothership has become a beloved and iconic public artwork. Situated in Newtownsmith, nestled between Dún Laoghaire and Glasthule, its distinctive form and impressive scale have truly captured the public's imagination. The work invites interaction, as visitors can even climb into the hollow shell of the sculpture, fostering a direct and engaging experience.
Crafted from cast bronze and stainless steel, Mothership depicts a sea urchin seemingly suspended in motion, resting on its side and leaving a shimmering trail of silver droplets in its wake. The design evokes the powerful imagery of a sea urchin being tossed onto the shore by a wave. Positioned at a subtle angle, the sculpture invites viewers to follow the "tracks" of the moving sea urchin—small stainless steel discs that suggest its spin to a halt, remarkably remaining upright.
The Artist: Rachel Joynt and Her Vision
The artist behind this captivating piece is Rachel Joynt, a prominent Irish sculptor known for her evocative public artworks that often engage with themes of nature, environment, and human interaction with space. Joynt's work frequently incorporates elements of fluidity and movement, making Mothership a quintessential example of her artistic style. She is celebrated for her ability to create pieces that are not only visually striking but also deeply thought-provoking, encouraging a sense of wonder and connection with their surroundings. Her choice of materials, such as bronze and stainless steel, allows her to achieve both durability and a striking aesthetic that reflects light and changes with the environment.
Symbolism and Connection to the Drainage Scheme
Beyond its artistic merit, Mothership carries significant symbolism. The sea urchin itself serves as a powerful statement about clear seawater, directly referencing the positive environmental impact of the Dun Laoghaire Drainage Scheme. On a more subtle yet equally significant level, the diameter of the sculpture mirrors the exact diameter used in the tunnelling and pipe construction integral to the Drainage Scheme. This deliberate artistic choice subtly links the artwork to the very infrastructure that enabled cleaner waters, highlighting the often unseen but vital work that underpins environmental improvement. Joynt's ability to weave such nuanced connections into her public art is a hallmark of her practice.
Note: Nearby there is an excellent sculpture by Rachel's father, Dick Joynt. I will discuss it in a future post.
Commissioned in 1998 through an open competition as part of the Per Cent for Art Scheme for the Dun Laoghaire Drainage Scheme, Mothership has become a beloved and iconic public artwork. Situated in Newtownsmith, nestled between Dún Laoghaire and Glasthule, its distinctive form and impressive scale have truly captured the public's imagination. The work invites interaction, as visitors can even climb into the hollow shell of the sculpture, fostering a direct and engaging experience.
Crafted from cast bronze and stainless steel, Mothership depicts a sea urchin seemingly suspended in motion, resting on its side and leaving a shimmering trail of silver droplets in its wake. The design evokes the powerful imagery of a sea urchin being tossed onto the shore by a wave. Positioned at a subtle angle, the sculpture invites viewers to follow the "tracks" of the moving sea urchin—small stainless steel discs that suggest its spin to a halt, remarkably remaining upright.
The Artist: Rachel Joynt and Her Vision
The artist behind this captivating piece is Rachel Joynt, a prominent Irish sculptor known for her evocative public artworks that often engage with themes of nature, environment, and human interaction with space. Joynt's work frequently incorporates elements of fluidity and movement, making Mothership a quintessential example of her artistic style. She is celebrated for her ability to create pieces that are not only visually striking but also deeply thought-provoking, encouraging a sense of wonder and connection with their surroundings. Her choice of materials, such as bronze and stainless steel, allows her to achieve both durability and a striking aesthetic that reflects light and changes with the environment.
Symbolism and Connection to the Drainage Scheme
Beyond its artistic merit, Mothership carries significant symbolism. The sea urchin itself serves as a powerful statement about clear seawater, directly referencing the positive environmental impact of the Dun Laoghaire Drainage Scheme. On a more subtle yet equally significant level, the diameter of the sculpture mirrors the exact diameter used in the tunnelling and pipe construction integral to the Drainage Scheme. This deliberate artistic choice subtly links the artwork to the very infrastructure that enabled cleaner waters, highlighting the often unseen but vital work that underpins environmental improvement. Joynt's ability to weave such nuanced connections into her public art is a hallmark of her practice.