Artist's bid for new sculpture at Niarbyl

'Eelips' promises to 'respect the coastline'

A Manx artist has applied for funding from the Isle of Man Arts Council to install a new sculpture in Niarbyl.

Bryan Kneale MBE wants the artwork - known as Eelips (Ellipse) - to be a 'respectful yet poignant addition to the coastline'.

He says he chose the site, close to the Raad ny Foillan, due to its 'stunning views up and down the coastline' as well as the area's 'geological history'.

Mr Kneale, who was born in Douglas in 1930 and studied painting at the Douglas School of Art in 1947, adds: 'I’m fairly obsessed with the place I came from, the Isle of Man, which is mountainous and by the sea – it would be wonderful to make something which would work in that landscape.'

In a statement, Albany Arts Communications says: "Bringing together two- and three-dimensional forms, the sculpture is designed to physically frame the landscape, creating a portal crossing time and place, a space for contemplation and passage."

"The sculpture will be seen in the landscape, but the landscape will also be seen through the sculpture, via a cut-out void in the centre of the artwork. Natural beauty and human creativity are brought together, with each visitor completing the scene from their own unique viewpoint and imagination.

"The artwork is a result of a life’s work in painting and sculpture by this renowned artist, and the realisation of a long-held ambition to install an artwork in the Manx landscape."

Mr Kneale, alongside members of Manx National Heritage and Isle of Man Arts Council, will be holding a pre-planning consultation event at Dalby Schoolrooms on Thursday 8 February between midday and 6:30pm.

People are invited to come down and ask questions.