ART

SKY Landscape Artist of the Year Finalist, 2023

R&H HALL’S FAREWELL

a Series of Demolition Drawings by CELINA BUCKLEY

ARTIST STATEMENT: 

My latest  series of demolition drawings hold immense significance as they encapsulate the dynamic essence of the Cork City Docklands, particularly the poignant demolition of the revered R&H Hall.

Using charcoal, pencils, and a limited colour palette, I meticulously layer drawings to portray fleeting moments. Each line symbolises the convergence of people, vehicles, and machinery against the shifting landscape.

R&H Hall, established in 1839, was a major importer and supplier of animal feed ingredients. Its iconic silos, dating back to the mid-1930s, have dominated Cork's skyline for nearly a century. The demolition of these silos marks the beginning of a €350 million plan to transform the South Docks into a new city docklands quarter. My art seeks to preserve the essence of this historic moment.

Creating art, for me, isn't just about capturing a scene; it's about encapsulating a feeling, a moment in time. My process is deeply rooted in observational drawing, expressing the pulsating energy and historical significance of the Docklands. Each piece in this series is a one off original drawing, no prints exist. 

Through my art, I aim to showcase the vibrant interplay between civilization and wilderness, conveying the profound sense of growth and transformation inherent in the Docklands. As you explore my artwork, I invite you to reflect on the rich history and ever-changing landscape of Cork City's Docklands.

As the silhouette of R&H Hall fades, I am reminded of Seamus Heaney's words,

"History says,

Don’t hope on this side of the grave.

But then, once in a lifetime, the longed-for tidal wave of justice can rise up, and hope and history rhyme."

May my art be a testament to the enduring power of hope as we stand on the threshold of a new dawn.

Click here to see a newspaper article from page three of the Irish Examiner 08.06.2024.

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