Iconic Cork 'Horses and Riders' Sculpture Featured in New Stamp Collection
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Loading... - Akila Salah
- 12 Aug 2024
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Ireland's rich artistic heritage is being celebrated in a new and unique way as An Post, the country’s national postal service, releases a special stamp collection featuring iconic public sculptures. Among these is the famous ‘Horses and Riders’ sculpture by Cork artist Michael Quane, a beloved piece that has captured the imagination of many. This stamp collection, designed by the Dublin-based creative studio Unthink, is part of An Post’s ongoing efforts to bring major works by prominent Irish artists to a broader audience.
The Stamp Collection: A Celebration of Irish Public Art
The new stamp collection includes four ‘N’ rate national stamps, which cover postage across the entire island of Ireland. The collection is not just a tribute to the featured artworks but also serves as a vehicle to introduce these cultural treasures to a wider public. The stamps are housed in a booklet priced at €5.60, making them accessible to collectors and art lovers alike.
Featured Artworks in the Collection
The stamp collection showcases four significant works of public art from across Ireland:
- ‘Horses and Riders’ by Michael Quane: This iconic sculpture from Cork, known for its dynamic depiction of horses and riders, has long been a symbol of movement and connection. Quane’s work is celebrated for its intricate detail and emotional depth, capturing the spirit of both the animals and the riders in a moment of unity.
- ‘Perpetual Motion’ by Remco de Fouw and Rachel Joynt: This innovative artwork, characterized by its kinetic design, invites viewers to engage with the idea of constant change and energy. It is a modern piece that reflects contemporary artistic approaches in public spaces.
- ‘Polestar’ by Locky Morris: A striking piece that stands as a landmark in its community, ‘Polestar’ draws on themes of guidance and direction, symbolizing the importance of finding one’s way in the world.
- ‘Tallaght X’ by Eileen Mac Donagh: Located in Library Square, this sculpture is a significant part of the Tallaght community, representing both the intersection of ideas and the importance of public spaces in fostering communal identity.
Recognition and Praise for the Initiative
The launch of this stamp collection has been met with widespread praise. Speaking from the site of the ‘Tallaght X’ sculpture, Sinéad O’Reilly, the director of combined arts at The Arts Council of Ireland, emphasized the importance of public art in connecting people to their communities and surroundings. She commended An Post for highlighting these artworks through the stamp series, noting that public art plays a crucial role in how people interact with each other and their environment.
Aileen Mooney, An Post’s stamp design manager, expressed her gratitude to the artists featured in the collection. She highlighted the significance of showcasing these well-loved sculptures on the stamps, recognizing the impact they have on both art lovers and the communities where these works are permanently exhibited.
The new stamp collection by An Post is a beautiful tribute to Ireland’s public art and the artists who create these cultural landmarks. By featuring iconic sculptures like Michael Quane’s ‘Horses and Riders’, An Post not only honors the artistic achievements of these creators but also brings their work into the everyday lives of people across Ireland. This collection is sure to be cherished by those who appreciate the intersection of art and community, serving as a reminder of the power of public art to inspire and connect us all.
