The Priest and The Púca: Defending Public Art with Aidan Harte

In this episode, sculptor and writer, Aidan Harte joins Lucy Branch to discuss his journey from animation to classical sculpture training in Florence, and the extraordinary controversy surrounding his first public sculpture - a horse-headed figure from Irish folklore called a Púca.What We Discuss:How animation training shaped Aiden's approach to sculptural composition and silhouetteThe value of classical training at Florence's ateliers versus contemporary art educationThe púca commission and the year-long battle that followed when a parish priest condemned it as "pagan"Why the sculpture eventually found its home 10 miles from its original locationThe challenge of creating fantasy and folklore in public sculpturePolitical dimensions of public art in IrelandThe absence of visual art addressing Northern Ireland's troubles, despite rich literary responsesParallels between writing and sculpture - the importance of editing and "killing your darlings"Find Aiden Harte:Website: aidanharte.comInstagram: @aidanhartesculptorWriting: The Spectator, Quillette, The CriticKey Takeaway:Public art requires courage - both from artists willing to create bold work and from commissioners brave enough to defend their initial vision when controversy strikes.If you're enjoying Sculpture Vulture, please share it with fellow sculpture enthusiasts and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.This podcast was brought to you by Antique Bronze