A L T A R

A L T A R was a site-responsive intervention for Goldenbridge Cemetery by artist Clodagh Emoe and architect Donal Lally.

It explored how we, the living and the dead, are intrinsically connected with the natural world. A L T A R drew on the material and essence of plant life, creating a gathering space between the interior of the 18th-century Mortuary Chapel and the canopy of the ancient Beech Tree.  It was activated by a programme of events every Thursday evening and every Sunday afternoon throughout the month of September, 2024.

Through image and text, a book was produced which presents the processes used to create this temporary artwork for Goldenbridge Cemetery—an infrastructure to encounter and reflect on the vibrancy of life in a place of death. The publication brings together writing that has inspired the project and has emerged from the process of realising this work, including contributions from Lucy Jones, Mick Wilson, Livia Hurley, Siobhán Geoghegan, Charlotte Salter-Townshend, Erin Quinn, Kathy Mooney, Jessica Foley, Richard Berengarten and a musical score by Nick Roth.

The design was inspired by the carved lettering on tombstones in the cemetery, and the play of light and shadow within these letterforms. The soft cover, Swiss-bound book has large flaps – foil blocked in a butter yellow on anthracite paper. Full-bleed photos of each of the 12 fabric panels punctuate the book at the start of each new entry; rhythmically unfurling like the installation, while duotone images carry these colours through the book; each image a mix of the previous and next colours.

A L T A R was funded by the Arts Council of Ireland, Architecture Project Award and supported by Common Ground, Dublin Cemeteries Trust, IMMA, NCAD and TU Dublin.