Imogen Stuart: A sacred sculptor
Imogen Stuart, renowned German-Irish artist and sculptor died at the age of 96 on 24 March 2024. Her work, influenced by 19th-century Expressionism and early Irish Christian art, made a powerful impact on the Irish liturgical scene.
She is particularly known for her sculpting, particularly in the medium of bronze and she has created numerous public artworks in Ireland, including sculptures, reliefs, and other forms of art. Her work is characterized by its strong emotional impact, intricate details, and deep symbolism. Some notable pieces include the ‘Children of Lir’ sculpture in Dublin, the ‘Tree of Gold’ in Kilkenny, and the ‘St. Bridget’ sculpture in Kildare. She has received many awards and honors for her contributions to the field of sculpture in Ireland and beyond.
On 4 November 2017 Imogen joined Brian Grogan SJ for an open, recorded interview in front of a live audience in Knock. There she spoke on the theme of ‘art as a pathway to the divine’. You can listen to the full interview above.
In the interview Imogen discusses various aspects of her life and her work down the years. Her grandson Émile flashes images of her work on a large screen behind her and she ‘deep dives’ into each piece. providing the audience with invaluable insights into her practice.
Imogen says, “The Holy Spirit is most definitely in my work”. This was especially true of one of her carvings, namely a bee-hive cell, designed and constructed along the lines of those on Skellig Michael, though Imogen’s hut was made out of cedar wood and not the stone that the monks would have used. The cell is used as a meditation room to this day and can be found at Knock Shrine.
