Here's the statue as described in the Hugh Mulholland interview in this week's podcast. It poses a challenge to photographers because it is so anodyne and aggressively bland that to produce a 'good' photographic representation of it is at the same time also producing a 'bad' photograph.
This image above doesn't give you a sense of the scale of this thing. Go here to get an idea of just how big it is.
Below is a photo of a sign mounted by the statue, (click on the image for a larger view). Notice the lack of any identifying markers that would let you know who paid for the Hoop and Ponytail Goddess; who is the 'our' that is referred to in this sentence: "This symbol creates a tangible first statement of our long term objective in bringing people together..."
And since we're a little bit prurient here at 'Letter to America' I present the following photo which shows that, seen from the right angle, the Goddess has nipples. Nothing wrong with that, we're bombarded with sexualised images constantly in the media, why not in public artwork. Not that nipples have to be seen as sexual signifiers - maybe this is supposed to represent the 'milk of human kindness'.
Anyway, they should have erected a statue to Aine.
She looks like a waitress you has slipped and thrown her tray way up in the air. Or, a netball player who is frozen in the middle of a slam-dunk... a truly mysterious but thought provoking figure. Can we have a "Northern Ireland art work of the week" post please?
Posted by: JC | March 21, 2006 at 03:40 AM
That is some hot, skeletal, nipple-sculpture action . . . Well done.
Posted by: Thom Brown, III | March 21, 2006 at 07:09 AM
Whew! I thought it was just me who noticed the nipples...
Posted by: Wayne Ordinary American | March 21, 2006 at 02:03 PM
I quite like it :-(.. Am I a freak?
It's better looking at night.
Posted by: Jimmy Porter | March 21, 2006 at 05:14 PM
Me, I think it's a vision of the last best hope for restarting the NI economy...
Topless baristas.
Posted by: Keith | March 21, 2006 at 06:26 PM
Yeah it is better looking at night Jimmy. Of course I've just been looking at your blog and you're recommending the Clements on Botanic as well...you're making me revaluate all my 'Letter to America' positions!
Posted by: Jett Loe | March 21, 2006 at 07:08 PM
position is perfect for floor excercise in russian olymic games. perhaps more russian statues in the plazas in belfast. i think this would be good idea.
Posted by: nellie_kim | March 21, 2006 at 08:22 PM
Cold and damp, she stands in the dark brumal mist, as a beacon, for those that yearn for the Emerald Isle. Her hair is entangled, from the brisk winds of the North Channel, but do not fret, for her stance will not faultier.
That's is the best I could come up with in a minute or two. The first photo is extremly spirited and artistic. I've seen this statue a couple of times, but this is my favorite.
I guess she is waiting for me. LOL :-)
Posted by: Jefferson Davis | March 21, 2006 at 10:32 PM
I'm with JC, keep posting these "thought provoking" pictures Jett.
Posted by: Jefferson Davis | March 21, 2006 at 10:35 PM
I'd a distinct recollection that LTA had covered the "wee doll on the ball" before ... and after some searching, it was back in early days - LTA chapter 2.
Wonder how many are still listening 25 shows later (well 24, as chapter 13 was tacked on the end of 12).
And there was even a photo of Belfast's Ring Waif in the Sept 11 entry - http://lettertoamerica.blogs.com/letter_to_america/2005/09/the_statue_in_a.html
Well, if history repeats itself, expect to hear about Belfast Riots on this weekend's show!
Posted by: Alan | March 22, 2006 at 04:21 PM