The Triumph of Education And Renewal By James McKenna
The Urban Cartographer
Discover Resurgence, a monumental limestone sculpture by acclaimed Irish artist James McKenna located at the University of Limerick. Explore the origin, architectural symbolism, and cultural meaning behind this iconic campus gateway celebrating intellectual renewal and artistic heritage.
MOBILE FRIENDLY AND MUCH FASTER
GO THERE
MURALS BY SHANE SUTTON
SONY A7RVI
Presented By William Murphy - The Urban Cartographer - Sony A7RVI Photographed October 2026
The Triumph of Education And Renewal By James McKenna
Author: William Murphy - The Urban Cartographer
|
19. Oct 2026
MY FIRST TIME TO PHOTOGRAPH THIS ARCH The Urban Cartographer Presents: Photographed By William Murphy Using A Sony A7RVI As access was limited and the space confined and as I was using a telephoto lens this was almost impossible to photograph. This monumental limestone sculpture is titled Resurgence (created between 1978 and 1983) by the renowned Irish sculptor, poet, and dramatist James McKenna (1933–2000). It is situated on the campus grounds of the University of Limerick (commissioned during the era of the National Institute for Higher Education, Limerick / NIHE). Origin and Material Artist & Commission: Sculpted by Dublin-born artist James McKenna, a pivotal figure in modern Irish stone carving and a founding member of the Independent Artists Group. The work was commissioned as a major civic statement for the fledgling campus in Plassey (then NIHE Limerick, later reconstituted as the University of Limerick).
Medium & Form: Chiseled from native Irish limestone, the monumental work is arranged as an elaborate, architectural gateway comprising heavy upright piers, lintels, and interlocking arches.
Symbolic Meaning and Themes
The Triumph of Education & Renewal: As its title indicates, Resurgence symbolises intellectual and cultural rebirth, growth, and the modern advancement of Irish third-level education.
Figurative Journey & Metamorphosis: Integrated within the architectural stonework is a dynamic group of figures emerging directly from the raw rock—standing within the portals, climbing, and perched atop the lintel. The figures represent humanity striving upwards, breaking free from raw, uncarved mass into self-realisation and enlightenment.
Archaic & Mythic Echoes: McKenna frequently drew upon Celtic mythology, megalithic architecture (such as dolmens and passage tombs), and archaic Irish motifs. The work deliberately fuses the monumental presence of ancient portal tombs with figurative expressionism, bridging Ireland’s prehistoric past with its modern educational future.
University of Limerick's Art Collection
The Triumph of Education And Renewal By James McKenna
THE ARTIST AND HIS WORK
[[shortcode.limerick.0007]]
THE LEGACY CATALOG
Examples Of Waterford Walls Murals
HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOGRAPHS PLUS MAP
SONY A7RVI
LET MISTER SCREEN DIRECT YOU
GLOBAL INDEX OF PHOTO GALLERIES
DEANSGRANGE CEMETERY
THE URBAN CARTOGRAPHER
MURALS BY SHANE SUTTON
The Triumph of Education And Renewal By James McKenna - Presented By The William Murphy - The Urban Cartographer