Client: OPW + Office of Public works

Location: Dublin, Ireland

Completion date: 2024

Artwork budget: $199,999

Project Team

Art, concept & project management

Anaisa Franco

ANAISA FRANCO STUDIO

Computacional Design & fabrication strategy

Michael R. DiCarlo

IAASS

Commissioner

OPW Office of Public Works

OPW

Fabricator

Brian Atkins

BA STEEL

Overview

EMBRACED LOOP is an HIV and AIDS NATIONAL MONUMENT installed at Phoenix Park in Dublin, Ireland. Artwork designed by Anaisa Franco in collaboration with Michael R. DiCarlo.

The monument is designed to express solidarity with everyone, past and present, who has been affected by HIV and AIDS, to remember those who have died, and to celebrate their lives and all who supported them.

The participatory artwork uses as a concept an abstraction form of the HIV symbol, the red ribbon to create a parametric shape where the rope loop closes creating an embrace of solidarity, where people can hang out together, bringing a feeling of community.

The curved shape searches for the expression of lightness out of the heaviness of the metal, bringing a feeling of fluctuation and elasticity that comes out of the heavy and strong metal, conceptually representing hope out of sadness.

Three curves are manipulated to create an entrancing loop that anchors the ground in three points and fluctuates into suspended seats facing each other, creating a space of warmth and connection where people will be looking and talking to each other inside an embracing loop that promotes connection, contemplation, healing, and reflection.

Goals

Here are the key details about this remarkable monument:

Purpose and Symbolism: The Embraced Loop serves as an HIV and AIDS NATIONAL MONUMENT. Its design expresses solidarity with everyone, both past and present, who has been affected by HIV and AIDS.

The sculpture aims to:
Show solidarity with those currently living with and affected by HIV.
Remember those who have lost their lives to this devastating disease.
Celebrate the lives of those who fought bravely and supported others.
Mark their contribution to society.

Design and Aesthetics:
The sculpture takes the form of an abstract loop.
It creatively incorporates the Red Ribbon, which is universally associated with HIV/AIDS awareness.
The loop symbolises interactive approach and the interconnectedness of all those impacted by the epidemic.

Unveiling and Significance:
The Embraced Loop was officially unveiled in the Phoenix Park. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar expressed its importance, stating that it would permanently reside in the People’s Gardens.

The monument serves as a powerful reminder that the struggle against HIV/AIDS is ongoing, and we must continue to act and support those affected.

Process

The Monument was comissioned by OPW Office of Public Works in Dublin, Ireland. It was designed by Anaisa Franco in collaboration with Michael R.Di Carlo, who was responsible for the design and fabrication of the artwork. It was locally fabricated in Dublin by a company called BA Steel. Project management by Anaisa Franco Studio.