Tempus Futurum by Brian Kenny is a light projection on Triskel Arts Centre that takes viewers on a journey through the building’s rich history, present and future.

The remarkable, digitally mapped, moving image artwork is projected onto the South Main Street façade of the Georgian building, which is over 300 years old. Each evening from dusk, for up to seven months a year, the captivating 10-minute looped moving visuals will be projected for all to enjoy.

Tempus Futurum is inspired by the motto “A society thrives when elders plant trees under whose shade they’ll never rest”. It delves into past, present, and an imminent future, exploring human impact on the environment.

Beginning with a depiction of pristine forests untouched by humanity, the inaugural scene evokes the beauty of nature in its unadulterated form. Transitioning, the arrival of the Celts marks a pivotal juncture, heralding the inception of cultivation and humanity’s imprint on the landscape – a precursor to the city’s birth.

The subsequent scenes weave a narrative tapestry, chronicling the architectural testament left by Viking and Norman hands. These structures stand as silent witnesses to the ebb and flow of civilizations, narrating tales of triumphs, conflicts, and the endurance of time itself. Inscribed within the fabric of the piece are vignettes portraying the tumultuous waves of climate change. These instances punctuate the timeline, illustrating the delicate balance between human actions and environmental consequences, underscoring the interconnectedness between past, present, and future.

Amidst this journey, the perspectives of 50 local schoolchildren breathe life into the projection, offering reflections on the building’s future. Their youthful imaginations envision a world shaped by present actions – a reminder that our choices today echo into tomorrow’s legacy.

The finale, an interactive tableau, embodies hope and empowerment. Its dynamism hinges on the community’s embrace of sustainable practices. Leveraging real-time live data from a nearby public bike station, the scene blossoms with flora and foliage in direct correlation to the usage of bicycles. Abundant blooms flourish as more individuals opt for eco-conscious transportation, visually reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between human actions and the environment.

Tempus Futurm transcends mere observation. It serves as a mirror, inviting introspection into one’s relationship with the location and the city’s evolution. It emphasizes that even in the face of an uncertain future, our actions reverberate—a testament to the legacy we leave for generations yet to come.

As viewers immerse themselves in this thought-provoking narrative, they become integral threads in the tapestry of time, realising that our relationship with our surroundings isn’t solitary but part of an enduring continuum—a reminder that our choices today shape the shadows cast upon the landscapes of tomorrow.

About the Artist

Brian Kenny is a video artist and projection mapping specialist whose work focuses on the transformation of environments through the manipulation of lighting and video technology. His video and projection mapping work spans all formats of presentation from contemporary galleries to large-scale outdoor productions. He is the founder and Creative Director of Lightscape Visuals, an award-winning studio specialising in projection mapping, live visuals and immersive and interactive environments.

About Island City

Island City – Cork’s Urban Sculpture Trail is a unique cultural trail of five public artworks. Located on the central island in Cork City, it animates the city and illuminates Cork’s unique heritage in an arresting, intriguing and playful way.

A Cork City Council project, funded by Fáilte Ireland under the Urban Animation Scheme, with commissioning support from the National Sculpture Factory.

Follow @IslandCityCorkSculpture

For more information on the trail, go to www.corkcity.ie/islandcity