GLASSOPHERE Sculpture in Context 2023

GLASSOPHERE

CLAIRE HALPIN and MADELEINE HELLIER

SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT at NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS, DUBLIN

7TH SEPTEMBER – 13TH OCTOBER 2023

GLASSOPHERE is a series of three connected glassworks created for Sculpture in Context 2023 at National Botanic Gardens, Dublin.

At the recent UN Water Conference on the global water crisis – climate change pollution and overuse were identified as the main factors in our global water crisis. With global freshwater demand on track to outstrip the world’s water supplies by the end of this decade….that’s this decade..in seven years, a water action agenda is needed urgently.

GLASSOPHERE presents both real and hypothetical solutions from the past, present and future to address the global water crisis.

GLACIER – the melting of the ice caps through global warming – could this water be harnessed? Can we stall the melting icecaps – keep them frozen and bring the glaciers to where supply is needed? 

This work takes form of seven floating glass glaciers, angular in form with smaller glaciers breaking off and floating away to their destination.

HARVESTER looks at the Japanese system of creating amazingly intricate and elegant structures which protect and support trees from snow damage by dispersing the weight of the snow which might damage the branches. The structure channels the snow beyond the branches while harvesting the necessary moisture from the melting for community use. 

This work will take the form of a network of glass tubes and acrylic rods interconnected within the branches of the nearby Japanese conraceae tree.

AQUIFER looks to the ancient solutions, feats of engineering from the 7^th century:  undergound stepwells of India – a sustainable system bringing water from deep underground for use by the community, socially sustainable with respect for resources.  This work will take the form of a helix with planes of glass creating the downward steps continuing to the soaked earth.

Sustainable and Environmentally Themed Work: Glassophere

Glassophere presents both real and hypothetical solutions from the past, present and future to address the global water crisis. Through three connected artworks – Glassophere uses both recycled and repurposed materials – from the scientific glass tubing from a decommissioned school science lab to the acrylic name signs from a decommissioned multinational corporation office. These materials are creatively repurposed to visualise through sculptures in the natural environment of the Botanic Garden imaginative and ancient solutions to the global water crisis.

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Sculpture in Context at National Botanic Gardens, Dublin until 13th October 2023