Famine, Bronze memorial sculptures on Custom House Quay in Dublin, Ireland.
Famine consists of six life-sized bronze figures dressed in tattered clothing, arranged in a line walking toward the River Liffey. Each figure captures a moment of human desperation and displacement, creating a procession frozen in movement.
Created in 1997, the memorial honors those affected by the Great Famine of 1845 to 1849, a tragedy that caused approximately one million deaths and forced another million to flee Ireland. It marks a defining period when catastrophic hunger transformed Irish society.
The memorial stands at a departure point where countless Irish people began journeys to North America, embodying a pivotal moment in Ireland's diaspora. The figures capture both the desperation and resilience of those who left from this very location.
Located near the Sean O'Casey Bridge on Custom House Quay, the memorial is accessible 24 hours daily at no charge and easily reached on foot from the city center. The nearby Jeanie Johnston tall ship offers additional context about emigration journeys.
Despite their emaciated appearance, each of the six bronze figures weighs around 420 kilograms, a testament to sculptor Rowan Gillespie's technical mastery. This contrast between their fragile forms and substantial weight strengthens the emotional power of the work.
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