Made by a group in
the Belcoo/Blacklion border area and led by artist Jim Fee, this project was
commissioned by Culture Cavan who is funded by International Fund for Ireland
in conjunction with Cavan County Council. The results were shown in the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann parade in Cavan town on 12th
August 2012.
The inspiration was
the so-called ‘Janus’ statue, an ancient double sided stone carving of
uncertain origin sited in the middle of a cemetery on Boa Island. Its dual iconic image reflects on a community
that is divided but is also essentially the same. Artistic licence and imagination have added
to the original fragment, making it into a thing that emphasizes a bond that
aspires to peace, harmony and respect for the ‘other’.
With the spectacle
of the parade in mind, it was conceived as a quasi religious processional piece
with participants dressed in appropriate guise.
Materials: ‘Janus’ –
plywood/cardboard structure modelled in papier-maché, finished in sand/glue;
Base: timer
structure featuring multiple plaster casts from sand moulds, finished in
sand/glue;
Other participants: Maria Bagnoli, Kathleen McCabe, Maraid O’Dolan, Olivia O’Dolan, Andy King, Patsy Nolan and Sionainn Fee (the ‘mascot’).
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Almost ready for the parade |
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The Fleadh Parade 12th August 2012
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The participants get into costume |
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The Janus Statue is ready to tour Cavan Town with the peace pot candle holders |
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The spectacle on Farnham Street featuring in the Fleadh Parade - 2012
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This Janus statue is now displayed at
Fermanagh County Museum since 12th March 2013.
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Fermanagh County Museum 2013 - Janus Statue |