Sandor Nagy - Sídhe’s Circle

Sídhe’s Circle

Nature Art Installation & Performance Art Project
Location: Talamh Land Art Festival, Kilmurrin Beach, Copper Coast, Ireland
Photo: Sandor Nagy

This work reflects on the thresholds between worlds - those of the living and the dead, the seen and the unseen. Inspired by the mythology of the Sídhe, this installation embodies the ancient connection between the natural world and the mystical, unseen forces that inhabit it. The rope web, the anthropomorphic wood figure, and the inverted mushrooms suggest the delicate boundary between existence and mystery, offering a moment of contemplation about our place within these interconnected realms.

In Irish mythology, the Sídhe are known as guardians of sacred spaces, capable of blessing or cursing those who encounter them. While this installation invites engagement, one must tread with care, for in the world of the Sídhe, boundaries are thin, and what is seen may not always be safe to cross. The subtle passage left open in the rope web is not merely an entry - it serves as a reminder that some doors, once opened, cannot be easily closed. Legend has it that those who unknowingly cross into the Sídhe’s realm may become lost, trapped in time, or forever changed, unable to return to the world they once knew. Respect for these liminal spaces is essential, as they are not ours to control.

A dog approached as I completed the piece, circling the installation several times, sniffing around, without entering into the circle, and then decided to leave. It may be wise to follow the dog’s instinct. Respect these liminal spaces; they are not ours to control. Sídhe’s watching...

Thank You to the Organizers of Talamh Festival

As an invited artist, I am deeply grateful to the organizers of the Talamh Festival for the opportunity to present Burden of the Tide at Kilmurrin Beach, Copper Coast. The stunning landscape and powerful forces of nature provided the perfect backdrop for this work, allowing me to explore themes of struggle and release. Thank you for creating such a meaningful space for art to connect with the land and for your support throughout the process.