I would like thank my muse Mary Heffernan (Head of National Monuments Ireland, OPW), who supported my vision for this installation which was commissioned by OPW to celebrate Winter Solstice at New Grange 2024. She worked tirelessly with us and Joanne Clarke (Visitor Experience Manager, Newgrange, OPW) to create this piece. This is the first commission of such scale.
I was very curious about going for a strong contemporary story, but the OPW team was really adamant to base on the loved by many legend of Oengus and Caer. After several site visits the proposal was shaped into a project.
So I set off to research transformation, the complexities of accepting transformation and whether love really conquers all. It was interesting to follow the trope of the Swan Maiden, which transcends most cultures as a symbol of our unity with nature. The very poignant choice of Oengus to let Caer be who she chooses and making an oath to follow her and become a swan was also a source of great conversations. Although initially I interpreted it as real men are ready to change for love, my feminist friends pointed out that we are all ready to change when we want love to conquer all.
The great love story of Óengus Óg and Caer is associated with Newgrange, known as The Dream of Óengus:
In his dreams, Oengus, the god of love, fell in love with Cear, the Swan maiden.
Long lost in search, he found her living as a swan and a woman.
Oengus’ love for Cear was so strong, he turned into a swan, only to be with her.
Newgrange was their chosen love nest. Here, their spirits gently fly.
This is their story…
I found it a great relieve that, although a commission, I managed to follow the authenticity of my work. Even though impossible deadlines, harsh weather and controversial communication challenged us every step of the way, the piece is a showcase of gratitude to the team, those who believed in us and the important messages that a complex work deliverers.
Love conquers all when we are open to change.
Creatives Involved in the Project
Producer & Director
Dr. Niki Collier is an award-winning artist, sought-after educator, and innovative collaborator. She is fibre- and people-curious and uses her work to invite people to examine their truths on the playground of her imagination. She has developed several strands of original work, including her Microorganisms Series – complex sculptures informed by viruses and cells that explore our warped understanding of what and who nature is. In Beyond Chaosvisitors can enter into her See It Crystal Clear icicles installation of handmade felt, fly on the Symbols of Mobility work fresh from its Culture Night Installation in the Bulgarian Embassy, and enjoy work from her original technique, Felt Stained Glass.
File and Video Capture & Editing
Alistair Roe is a founding partner and strategic director of VIMAR, a creative company that delivers high quality content for digital marketing. He is an enthusiastic entrepreneur with a passion for business strategy. Working in various industries gave him experience in delivering high-quality results. He holds various business qualifications in marketing and management from Carlow Institute of Technology (SETU) and University of Limerick. Academic research has been crucial in his career and has taught him how to remain focused and productive. His creative passion lies in contemporary arts. He is a professional musician and a local chess instructor, and thrives on problem-solving and delivering creative solutions.
Dancers
Mia DiChiaro (she/her) is a contemporary dancer, facilitator, and artivist whose work has been supported by the Arts Council, Dance Ireland, and Create. She creates dance projects across Ireland that encourage communities to explore imagination, empathy, and care. She serves as Dance Artist-in-residence at Richmond Barracks (2022-2025), Fatima Groups United (2021-2025), and is Tipperary Dance’s Connects Artist (2022-2025). Originally from New York, she received an interdisciplinary B.A. in ‘Performance and Arts Activism’ from NYU and later received her M.A. in ‘Contemporary Dance Performance’ from University of Limerick. Since moving to Ireland in 2015, she has performed works with CoisCéim Dance Theatre, Jess Rowell Dance, InstantDissidence, Selma Daniel Dance, Philippa Donnellan, Colin Gee, and Angie Smalis.
Yves Lorrhan is a professional dancer with 26 years of experience from the Northeast of Brazil with experience in ballroom, ballet, contemporary and afro dance. Internationally, he has had experience as a producer, co-author and director with shows such as Balacoxê and the ‘Encontro de Salao festival. In Ireland, he has collaborated with: artistic director John Scott and artist Osaro Adams(‘Birds of the Forest’); artist educator David McGovern at A4 Sounds; and artists Alessandra Azevedo and Karen Aguiar. Most recently, he has performed at the Kilkaney festival; All together now; Five Lamps Arts, Culture Night and Africa Day @ Kilmainham. He received an agility grant from the Arts Council in 2023 to understand the power of black people being able to express from our own experiences. He is intrigued to engage these ideas further with professionals here, empowering & growing his practice through performance. Among the styles of his curriculum are ballroom dancing, classical ballet, contemporary dance and afro dance.
Again, thank you to my muse, Mary Heffernan, Head of National Monuments Ireland, OPW. Her strength gave me wings!
