ST RITA'S COLLEGE
Work is now complete on the 5.5m high x 2.2m wide wall mosaic which spans the two-storey high void in the College's new reception. The Mosaic depicts the Presentation College tradition of the Nano Nagle Story. The building has been designed by Bertoldi Architects PTY LTD and was opened on the 29th MAy to celebrate St Rita's Day.
"I have had so much wonderful response to the Mosaic – I wish you could have heard it all.
It really is beautiful and I could not be happier. My very very sincere thanks for sharing
your artistic talents with us to give us something that will last many lifetimes and
become apart of St. Rita’s history."
Mrs Dale Morrow, Principal
ST RITA’S COLLEGE
MOSAIC DESIGN CONCEPT RATIONALE
This mosaic artwork addresses the alcove to the right of the entrance of the new Resource centre. The two (2) storey wall mosaic extends from the floor to the ceiling within the atrium space with a height of five and half (5.5) metres. The mosaic faces the immediacy of Reception; inviting students and College visitors to experience an artwork depicting the foundation story of Nano Nagle and the Presentation Sisters. The artwork conceptualises the principles of Cosmology (the Origin, Evolution and Structure of the universe) by the themes of the Past, the Now and the Future.
In a figurative representation of Nano Nagle shining her lantern throughout the universe, the light heralds gold rays onto the Past, the Now and the Future. Nano’s ethereal face mirrors the lines of the Celtic Heart.
The Past is represented in a small section to the left of Nano’s compassionate gaze. A saddened child is immersed in rocky outcrops of the past city of Cork with its shadowed doorways. A bridge flows from Nano’s form linking her with the Past and Origin. To define a sense of hope and joyous release from sorrow, this section experiences the light of the lantern presented as a circular radiating glow from the right of Nano’s figure. In Nano’s embryonic garment float three (3) Presentation Crosses, signifying the formation of the Presentation Sisters and their ongoing work in the world.
A strengthening of God, represented as radiating golden rays from the lantern, cut across the fluid figure of Nano Nagle asking the audience, by contrast of line, to question the duality of light and shadow aspects in life. The Past and Now. Cloud formations are present in light glowing mauves and stormy purple shadows. The Celtic Heart is duplicated amidst the spiralling lines of cloud.
Now is the reserve of a gold angled band in the top of the design, suggesting the significance of remaining present in the moment, from which we continue to step out from into the journey of life. It is the place we move back to in times of distress, to consolidate and pray before proceeding forward again in Evolution. This border which contains the letters PBVM, reminds us of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Nano’s blue gown duplicates the image the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Future structure of the universe stemming from Nano’s garment is an elegant spray of richly coloured flora. Here one experiences the new world of hope and justice for the future that Nano has paved for us. In this cascade of organic richness, an awareness of an ecologically balanced and stable world is promoted as our future.
