Looking at & Responding to .... Construction ... Looking at Sculpture . . . Famine by Ronan Gillespie

This is a moving sculpture in commemoration of those forced to emigrate during the famine of the 19th century. The sculpture by Rowan Gillespie was bought and donated to the people of Ireland by Norma Smurfit, one of Ireland's millionaires. The six larger-than-life figures evoke a haunted feel in this part of the quays, which is all the more significant as many of the emigrants departed from this quay to Liverpool and the New World.

The figures are tall and elongated. Why did Rowan do this? Describe the figures to someone who hasn't yet seen the sculpture and ask them to suggest a suitable name for the work.

What words best describe the dog?

Are these figures suitable for the new quay development in Dublin? The figures are arranged so that people can walk around them and stand beside them. Is this a good idea?

Tell us what you think of Ronan's sculpture

Task: Find out about the famous sculpture by Auguste Rodin called The Burghers of Calais and compare it to The Famine.