For the love of Emer
Armagh City is celebrating the installation of its first commissioned public artwork, with a new sculpture by Northern Irish Artist Martin Heron, entitled For the Love of Emer. Positioned at the foot of Scotch Street, and at one of the City’s busiest ‘gateways’, the towering 30 foot stainless steel structure features a larger than life depiction of the famous Irish hero Cuchulainn – atop a tilting 20 foot pole on which the notorious ‘Hound of Ulster’ practices the less heroic act of ‘balance’.
The sculpture is part of a wider public art programme that is being rolled out across the City in 2010, adding to recent improvements brought about by An Environmental Improvement scheme that has transformed many streets at the heart of the ancient City of Armagh. The public art programme is being funded by Armagh City and District Council, The Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Department for Social Development. For the Love of Emer is the first of 6 artworks, with others to include a miniature sculpture trail inspired by the two Cathedrals, ceramic wall art, railings and a further two sculptures at Upper English Street and the Market Place Theatre, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
Speaking about the sculpture, Sharon O’Gorman, Director of Development at Armagh City and District Council and member of the Public Art Steering Group, explained how the artist had responded to a public brief that went out to the artistic community in Ireland and the UK in November 2008:
“The specific theme for this site had been ‘myths and legends’ – the Scotch Street location is visible from the main Friary Road that takes visitors out to the historic Navan Centre and site of Emain Macha, the ancient capital of Ulster. The public art steering panel chose this piece from a short-list of six sculptures as they felt it presented an unusual and modern interpretation of one of Ireland’s great heroes Cuchalainn – a figure who has many associations with Armagh’.
Martin Heron, the artist, explained how his inspiration for the piece came from stories told about Chuchulainn’s search for a wife and how, having set his heart on Emer, the daughter of Forgall Monach, he had to go about proving himself in battle and as a warrior. Emer’s Father was opposed to the match, and suggested that Cuchulainn should train in arms with the renowned warrior-woman Scathach on the Isle of Skye, hoping the ordeal would be too much for him and he would be killed. Cuchulainn takes up the challenge. Scathach teaches Cuchulainn all the arts of war, including how to balance on the butt of a spear or rim of a shield. It was this aspect of the story that the artist focused on:
“I chose to focus on the unusual aspect of the Cuchulainn story. This piece does not focus on the great heroic deeds, great battles won, or warriors slayed. It is about overcoming one of many tasks faced by a hero. A task that resonates with us all: the art of balancing ourselves with the world around us, the balance of love and hope, and achieving the seemingly impossible through hard work and perseverance”.
The final look of the piece has also been influenced by a number of factors including the portrayal of the Celtic warrior through history, Celtic art, jewellery and pattern work especially early Celtic scroll and spiral pattern.
The new sculpture has been praised by the Mayor of Armagh City and District Council, Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon who said, “This distinctive sculpture is an exciting addition to the City and will be a landmark for years to come. It celebrates Armagh’s strong identity as a City of culture and architecture”. The local business community has also embraced the new sculpture recognizing that it will become a new visitor attraction and bring lots of new visitors to the area. John Farquhar of Multifix in Scotch Street has said, ‘We at Multifix feel that the sculpture is a beautiful addition to the street, which really comes alive when you hear the story relating to it. Money well spent in our opinion.’
Suzanne Lyle, Head of Visual Arts, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented: ‘The Arts Council is pleased to support this public art commission in Armagh City Centre. Good public art will enhance the area visually, engage with people, attract visitors and boost civic pride in this beautiful, historic city.’
Armagh City and District Council intend to create a new sculpture trail guide later in the year to give the public more information about the artwork and the artists. The guide will be designed to be of use to visitors, schools and community groups.
Notes to the Editor
For further information, artists’ impressions, drawings of further planned work or to set up an interview with the artist, please contact Valene McCaughey on 028 3752 9600 or email
valene.mccaughey@armagh.gov.uk
The miniature sculpture trail will be installed at the end of April with further work expected to be in place by the end of the summer. The full public art programme completes in December 2010, with the installation of a new sculpture outside the Market Place Theatre.
There is also an extensive community participation programme being organised as part of the public art programme. Please contact Valene for further details.