The second installation as part of Sculpture Dublin has been unveiled today.
The sculpture is called 'Smithfield Utah' and is a giant bronze teapot.
It was created by artist Alan Butler and is described as a symbol of Irish warmth and connection between those who live, work, enjoy, and pass-through Smithfield.
Sculpture Dublin will commission six sculptures across the city it total, with a budget of €600,000.
Dublin City Council says it has been created by artist Alan Butler following a competitive commissioning process that asked artists to consider how public art can help define a space and enable a deeper relationship between residents, workers, tourists, commuters, and a city-centre neighbourhood.
'Smithfield Utah' by artist @alan_butler, the 2nd of 6 sculptures commissioned as part of the #SculptureDublin initiative.
➡️ https://t.co/p3kf4d0gh7 pic.twitter.com/q1C58oQRRR— Dublin City Council (@DubCityCouncil) October 18, 2021
Lord Mayor of Dublin Alison Gilliland says: "It brings me great pride to unveil this second public artwork in the Sculpture Dublin series that is bringing great creativity and interest to those locations where these works are on display. Smithfield Utah is an amazing example of the power of sculpture to speak to both a historic and contemporary way of Dublin life.
"I want to congratulate the artist, Alan Butler, who has created this sculpture. It captures the warmth, hospitality, and sense of community that exists in Smithfield and many other parts of Dublin city. But it does so in a manner that is both accessible and curious for those who view it.
"I hope that the local community and all those who come to Smithfield will pause, engage with and enjoy the sculpture and that it becomes a talking point for those that do. These sculptures are playing an important role in city life and I look forward to further unveilings as the series progresses."
Commissioned artist, Alan Butler, says: "I am honoured and delighted to have been included in the Sculpture Dublin programme and to create this sculpture for the city. The task of conceiving a public artwork is always intimidating as it invites scrutiny from such a wide audience. My aim was to identify a form that can operate on as many scales as possible and create something widely engaging, while not resorting to clichéd public sculptural forms.
"I was specifically drawn to the Utah Teapot form due to its universality. It is intended to be enjoyed at any level that any audience member wishes to access it."
Our 2nd commission from @SculptureDublin has been unveiled...Smithfield Utah by @alan_butler, a bronze teapot. What do you think? #SculptureDublin #art #sculpture #dublin pic.twitter.com/Tbsmrmhbqd
— Dublin City Council (@DubCityCouncil) October 18, 2021
Programme Director of Sculpture Dublin, Karen Downey, said; "The commission for Smithfield Square Lower was both exciting and challenging due to the significant change the area has undergone. Smithfield has a long and rich history, stretching back to the arrival of the Vikings, and moving from an agricultural marketplace to a centre of industry, creativity, and innovation in recent years. ‘Smithfield Utah’ acknowledges the diversity and dynamism of this site; its deep-rooted local traditions and its place in the centre of multi-cultural, globalised contemporary city."
