Lough Boora Parklands

Earth and Sky

sculpture by Alfio Bonanno

A pioneer of the site-specific nature installation, Alfio Bonanno works with nature’s own materials to create his truly-landmark works. Ephemeral and earth-bound, these works establish links with nature, reminders that nature is both a spiritual source and practical provider for humanity’s needs. Bonanno is heavily involved with environmental and ecological issues, and in 2009 he created the CO2 CUBE Project in Copenhagen to coincide with the COP15 Climate Change Conference. This ecological mindset fits well with the philosophy of Lough Boora Parklands.

The work

His 'Earth and Sky' sculpture embraces the concept of maximising the use of nature. The sculpture is based on five circles rising into the sky, ranging in diameter from 7 metres at the bottom, to two metres at the top. The sculpture is also an impressive 7 metres tall, and its outer structure consists of large pieces of natural wood resting on the round framework. The circles of the interior represent the rhythms of the sky and the landscape, rotating and wheeling around each other.

Location

This sculpture has been positioned close to the wetlands, in order to capture the vitality of the water. At its centre, the sculpture has a standing stone and also some sitting stones, to allow time and space for contemplation within art. This sculpture is auditory, as well as visual in nature, as visitors will also be able to hear the sound of running water through the sculpture, depicting the energy of the earth and nature.

The other landscape

Bonanno has extended the language of outdoor installation through his artistry. His concerns are as much social as environmental. As Bonanno states: “The ‘other landscape’ exists at a closer look—here—where we have always been, where we least expect to find it—there it is. Where earth meets air, and water meets the sun, we see myriads of vital life cycles. And life arises, where it is given a chance to exist: on the cracked boards of a train wagon in movement, in the midst of a concrete footpath, and on roof tops.” (From "A Conversation with Alfio Bonanno"  by John Grande) 

Alfio Bonanno at Lough Boora Parklands

Bonanno was in residence at Lough Boora Parklands in 2010, funded by the EU Culture and Education programme, Trans Form Actions, Bord na Móna, University College Dublin, Lough Boora Parklands Group and Sculpture in the Parklands.