The Big Fish
54°36′05″N 5°55′18″W / 54.6015°N 5.9217°W
| The Big Fish | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Artist | John Kindness |
| Year | 1999 |
| Type | Ceramic |
| Dimensions | 300 cm (120 in) |
| Location | Belfast |
The Big Fish also called the Bigfish[1] is a printed ceramic mosaic[2] sculpture by John Kindness 10 metres long[1] constructed in 1999[1] in Donegall Quay in Belfast, near the Lagan Lookout and Custom House.[3]
The Big Fish's image appears on Belfast and Northern Ireland related tourism material.[4]
Construction
The outer skin of the fish is a cladding of ceramic tiles decorated with texts and images relating to the history of Belfast. Material from Tudor times to present day newspaper headlines are included along with contributions from Belfast school children (including a soldier and an Ulster Fry). The Ulster Museum provided the primary source of historic images, while local schools/day centres located along the line of the River Farset were approached to provide drawings for the fish. Images were provided by Glenwood Primary School, St Comgalls and Everton Day Centres.
The Big Fish also contains a time capsule storing information/images/poetry on the City.
Commission
The work was commissioned to celebrate the regeneration of the River Lagan. The site is a significant landmark as it is the location of the confluence of the River Farset with the River Lagan (Belfast is named after the River Farset).[2]
Funding
The Big Fish was funded by the Laganside Corporation and the National Lottery, through the Big Lottery Fund, through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.[2]
See also
