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A sculpture created from scrap metal depicting a weary soldier is set to be unveiled in Dublin to commemorate the centenary of the ending of World War I.<\/p>\nA sculpture created from scrap metal depicting a weary soldier is set to be unveiled in Dublin to commemorate the centenary of the ending of World War I.<\/p>\n
Culture Minister Josepha Madigan will launch the art installation at a special ceremony in St Stephen\u2019s Green on Sunday afternoon.<\/p>\n
Created by Dorset-based artist and blacksmith Martin Galbavy and constructed by Chris Hannam of Dorset Forge and Fabrication, The Haunting Soldier is a six-meter high sculpture designed to evoke the fragility and suffering of those who survived World War I and returned home to an uncertain and difficult future.<\/p>\n
It was made from scraps of metal including horse shoes, spanners, car jacks and brake discs.<\/p>\n
The ghostly figure was brought to Ireland by Dublin-based solicitor Sabina Purcell, who discovered she had a family connection to those who served in the war.<\/p>\n
It led her to explore how she could remember and commemorate the soldiers from the island of Ireland who fought in the war, both those who died and those who survived.<\/p>\n
When she came across photographs of the sculpture, it resonated with her and she decided to bring it to Dublin.<\/p>\n
Ms Madigan said: \u201cI congratulate Sabina Purcell for her vision and commitment in bringing this beautiful and thought-provoking sculpture to Dublin. It is a great achievement.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said the centenary commemorations were shining a light, in some instances for the first time, on the stories of the many men and women from across the island of Ireland who sacrificed their lives in WWI.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have explored, with respect and compassion, the differing motivations of those who fought \u2013 many driven by complex ideals and aspirations and others driven by economic necessity,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe horrors of the battlefield left deep and lasting scars on those who survived, traumas which were often compounded by their difficult experiences on returning home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Madigan said she was delighted to support creative endeavors that provide opportunities for people of all ages to consider the sensitive legacies of our past with understanding, empathy and a spirit of mutual respect and kindness.<\/p>\n
The sculpture will be on show nearby the pond in St Stephen\u2019s Green until November 26.<\/p>\n