Giant Wave sweeps away statue title

Irish Wave, Europe’s tallest moving sculpture – a 116ft structure weighing more than 20 tonnes – was unveiled by its creator today.

Sculptor Angela Conner took two years to design the structure, which towers above the landscape of west Dublin’s Park West business site.

Ms Conner gained her inspiration for the sculpture from Islamic calligraphy, and by watching saplings move in the wind.

The creation is made of stainless steel and carbon fibre and is powered by the wind.

It can sway up to 20ft and returns to its central position with the help of a nine-tonne underground counterweight.

Speaking at the official unveiling today Ms Conner said: “The idea behind the sculpture comes from the sense that people or things always regain a sense of centre.

“This, philosophically, is something that interested me very much. I particularly like people who get into all sorts of trouble but manage to keep their sense of balance.”

The sculpture was built in a workshop in Norfolk usually used to build constructions for the motor sport and aircraft industries.

Also on show at today’s launch were Poise, a 9ft wind mobile, and Rolling Stones, two moving water-filled spheres mounted on a polished granite area.

Other works by the artist include an 8ft diameter sculpture in front of a 30ft waterfall on the Economist Plaza, a hydraulic sculpture in the gardens of Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, and a feature at Birmingham’s Aston University.