Title:
Secret Station
Date:
1992
Artist:
Ellis O’Connell
Location:
Rover Way, Nr Alexandra Gate, Junction 29 from M4/A48, Eastern Approach to Cardiff Bay
Background:
To launch its strategy for Public
Art in 1991, Cardiff Bay Development Corporation initiated an international competition
for artists to design a gateway for the eastern approach to Cardiff Bay. Six
artists were shortlisted and Eilis O'Connell was finally selected to develop
and implement her design.
Commission:
This twelve metre high sculpture provides a marker for the approach to Cardiff Bay from the M4/A48M. Twin bronze cones, topped by large steel arcs, stand out clearly against the skyline. Steam is released intermittently, and at night the arcs are outlined by a blue fibre optic light, representing the old and new technologies associated with Cardiff Bay. The title is taken from a line in the poem, "The Diviner" by Seamus Heaney:
"Spring water suddenly broadcasting. Through a green aerial its secret stations"