Biography

Rowan Fergus Meredith Gillespie, born in 1953 in Dublin, is a renowned Irish sculptor known for his evocative bronze sculptures. He spent his formative years in Cyprus, which influenced his artistic development. Gillespie is unique in the bronze casting community as he works independently from conception to creation in his custom-built foundry in Blackrock, Dublin. His work is heavily influenced by the sculptor Henry Moore and the painter Edvard Munch, and he employs the lost wax casting process to express deep human emotions through his art. Gillespie's sculptures are primarily site-specific and can be found in various public spaces across Ireland, Europe, the United States, and Canada. Notable works include the Famine Memorial in Dublin and the companion pieces at Ireland Park in Toronto, which commemorate the Irish Great Famine and the subsequent emigration. His sculptures are characterized by their emotional depth and historical significance, making them highly sought after by collectors and institutions alike. Gillespie's ability to capture the human condition and historical narratives in bronze has earned him international acclaim and a prominent place in contemporary sculpture.