Dublin – Christmas 2009
Image by infomatique
Visitors to North Wall Quay in Dublin’s Docklands may have noticed an unusual visual spectacle in the form of a small building which appears covered with sparkling sequins resulting in a stunningly illuminated public artwork. Commissioned by the Docklands Authority, artist Martin Richman has transformed an important piece of gas infrastructure on the quayside into a brightly lit beacon titled "Flow". Inspired by the banded wrapping of the freight containers associated with the river, the sparkling sequins reflect the light and pattern on the glazed surface of the structure.
The River Liffey is one of the most attractive amenity spaces for Docklands and the city of Dublin and with the recent opening of the Samuel Beckett Bridge, Dubliners and visitors alike are coming to appreciate its full potential. This building built by Bord Gais is an Above Ground Installation (AGI), a pressure regulation centre for the distribution of gas within the North Lotts area in Docklands. The intention of this arts commission is to highlight an important service building as a stimulating, visual spectacle.
Loretta Lambkin, Director of Marketing at the Docklands Authority, said, "Martin Richman’s Flow appears like a jewel on the side of the River Liffey. Over the past few months, visitors to the O2 have noticed and been intrigued by this sparkly addition to the quayside. Now that the Samuel Beckett Bridge is open, we hope that people will take the opportunity to visit the area and see the dramatic changes taking place in Dublin’s Docklands."
Martin Richman was educated at St. Martins School of Art in London. His work addresses issues concerning light, colour and space both in the private and public realms. As well as a strong studio practice and producing work for exhibitions and private houses, Martin Richman has done many public projects from stand-alone sculptures to collaborative works with architects and engineers. Richman is well known for the transformation of Tyseley Energy Waste Facility, Birmingham (1997) in collaboration with architect Ray Perry – the project received a RSA award.