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The sculptor of an artwork, set to be erected in Co Clare, said it has already achieved its goal of publicity for the town of Ennistymon.
Clare County Council has paused plans to erect the statue of a Púca in the town after local criticism.
The council proposed placing the 6ft-tall interpretive art piece on a plinth as part of tourism and visitor measures to encourage more people to stay there.
However following local objections that it was grotesque and scary , as well as a criticism by the parish priest, the work has been put on hold.
Aidan Harte with a clay casting of his Púca statue
Exclusive: Púca artist hopeful he can win Clare town over
May 13, 2021
writes Fiona McGarry.
Aidan Harte told The Champion that despite the Council’s decision to pause the project in response to public objections, he is hopeful that people will come to appreciate the design of the 2m high artwork.
Mr Harte, who has studied sculpture in Florence in Italy, has told Clare County Council he is fully prepared to visit Ennistymon to engage with local people.
“We can’t railroad or ignore people’s views,” he said. “This piece certainly isn’t disrespectful. Art is a matter of taste and I can understand that people don’t want art they don’t like, but this is an impressive piece when you see it in the flesh.
Home » Breaking News » Púca paused but division remains in Ennistymon
Ennistymon business people; Ciara Fahy, middle, with Franco Bonito and Sandra Mc Cormack who are opposed to the Puca statue which is proposed for Lower Churchill. Photograph by John Kelly
Púca paused but division remains in Ennistymon
May 13, 2021
Senator calls on committee to explain its rationale in selecting controversial sculpture
THE committee who chose a controversial public sculpture for Ennistymon have been called on to come forward and make a statement on the row that has erupted over the plan.
Senator Martin Conway, a native of the town, insisted the proposed Púca of Ennistymon, a mythical half-man, half horse, must be “consigned to history”.
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13th May 2021
Ennistymon Puca
On Thursday’s Morning Focus, Gavin Grace spoke to the man behind the controversial Púca of Ennistymon statue – proposed to be erected in the town.
Aidan Harte, a sculptor living in Dublin, found himself and his artwork in the spotlight, following local resident’s objections to the statue on the grounds that they felt it bore a demonic presence and was out of character for the town.
He chatted to Gavin about the huge reaction to the statue – including support from Irish comedians Chris O’Dowd and Dara O’Briain.
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