New interactive sculpture unveiled in Dublin’s Docklands

An innovative new outdoor public sculpture has just been unveiled in Dublin’s Docklands. 

Located on City Quay along the south bank of the River Liffey, PULSE is the title of an new immersive and interactive light installation.

The piece has been created by Irish artist Alva Gallagher with funding from Fáilte Ireland, through its Destination Towns Scheme, and Dublin City Council.

With a footprint of 30 square metres, the installation takes the form of a polished steel structure that supports a delicate mesh canopy, which contains over 20,000 programmed LED lights. From dusk each evening, Pulse comes alive responding to human movement with light displays that mimic historic star constellations.

The sculpture was formally unveiled to the public last night with a ceremony attended by Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste.

Speaking at the event the Lord Mayor congratulated the artist on their achievement:

“I’m very excited to be launching this stunning new sculpture for Dublin’s Docklands.

“Aptly named Pulse, this innovative artwork will illuminate the south side of the Liffey intriguing onlookers with its mesmerising glow.

“What truly sets this sculpture apart is its interactive nature, allowing the public to engage with the installation.

“It’s a really fun piece and it showcases the artist’s creativity and ingenuity.

2We extend our congratulations for their remarkable achievement”.

Pulse’s creator Alva Gallagher is an Irish artist living in Canada and a former graduate of the National College of Art and Design, NCAD. Speaking at the launch Gallagher remarked:

“It’s an honour to have my work installed in such a prominent location.

“I wanted the shape of the piece to capture the essence of the dockers’ legacy, depicting the timeless image of their net lines cast in suspended motion.

“The piece also mirrors the star constellation visible on the night of May 22nd, 1665 when the Liffey Ferry, affectionately known as The Dockers Taxi, embarked on its maiden voyage.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to leave a lasting artistic legacy within the docklands. I can’t wait to see the public interact with pulse”.

Speaking about the project Head of Dublin at Fáilte Ireland, Liz Halpin said:

“As public art and urban animation plays an increasingly important role in re-imagining our public spaces as welcoming and vibrant places for residents and tourists alike, Fáilte Ireland is pleased to have partnered with Dublin City Council to fund this beautiful new sculpture in Dublin’s Docklands through our Destination Towns Investment Scheme.

“As the piece is inspired by the unique history and heritage of the area, it perfectly complements the work already completed as part of the Docklands Destination & Experience Development Plan to bring the story of the area to life in new and exciting ways for visitors and the local community.”

PULSE, the new public sculpture by artist Alva Gallagher, located on City Quay, Dublin Docklands, opens to the public from today.