Technological University Dublin

‘Solaris Nexum’ by Alexandra Carr

For International Sculpture Day, TU Dublin would like to celebrate ‘Solaris Nexum’ by publishing an essay by Alexandra Carr (first published in ‘…the lives we live’ Grangegorman Public Art book) across the Grangegorman Development Agency online channels along with a video of the artwork (@grangegormandev).

‘Solaris Nexum’ video link: https://vimeo.com/608157804

Video: ©Alexandra Carr. All rights reserved.

Context: ‘Solaris Nexum’ is a site-specific artwork by Alexandra Carr designed for the TU Dublin Central Quad in Grangegorman. Carr worked closely with Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCB Studios), the architectural design team lead, to develop the work. This five storey sculpture is in constant motion, continually changing with the shifting of light of the day and season. It was commissioned through an international open call as part of ‘…the lives we live’ Grangegorman Public Art.

‘Solaris Nexum’ is situated in the foyer of Central Quad which is easily accessible to visitors.

Brief description of artwork:  ‘Solaris Nexum’ explores our changing connection to the sun through technological shifts of various ages. Through a double-sided surface of suspended mirrors, ‘Solaris Nexum’ is a helical structure projected onto catenary arches, allowing continually changing reflections in response to the shifting light.

Carr approaches celestial architecture, advances in optics, and renewable energy as paradigm-shifting technologies, drawing together periods of human history with a potential future for humankind.

The sculpture serves as a monument to solar connection through the ages of technology, encourages us to retain a respect for nature and to intelligently live in harmony with its resources, moving towards a technologically symbiotic age. Carr invites us to look both inwards and outwards to embrace all spheres of being into one harmonious whole.

***

Commissioned by Grangegorman Development Agency for Technological University Dublin.

Supported by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Colin Rennie, CConsult, Renée Pfister Art & Gallery Consultancy, London, Architectural Metalworkers Ltd, Ormiston Wire Ltd, Bay Plastics Ltd, Abseil Access Ltd, W.H.Scott and Son Engineers Ltd, Constantine. Video audio, bensound.com.

For more information and images please visit alexandracarr.co.uk/

Building location: Grangegorman Lower, Dublin 7, D07 ADY7