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In Praise of Competitions - 1996 Nissan Art Project - Dermot Boyd
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My interpretation of this object became a literal one. For with architecture, I wished to bridge the divide between abstraction and iconographic meaning in art. Constructing a specific functioning object as the spiritual descendent of the Ka'ba, to be celebrated in itself, yet house a representation of the new religion, 'art', within its walls.

Physically, the simple rectilinear form of the Ka'ba defines space within the great courtyard of the mosque and I could play on its form contextually with different locations for my object within Dublin- the courtyard of IMMA, Front Square, Trinity College Dublin, Merrion Square, The Square Tallaght or beyond.

Metaphysically the Ka'ba also defines universal space. For radiating from it are the horizontal axes of phenomenal existence alongside the vertical axis which is of the spirit. In the celebration and promotion of Art I too could make this analogy with my object.

I looked further, seeking a complimentary iconic object in contemporary culture. The black monolith in 2001 A Space Odyssey, Stanley Kubrick's surreal magical film based on Arthur C Clarke's vision of the future, seemed a perfect counterpoint. An immense stone that appears and marks various critical points in man's evolution, an object from another world. Beautiful, indestructible, mysterious and silent until it resonates with an intense deafening sound like some universal tuning fork.

My Ka'ba or black monolith would travel (just like the 2001 monolith) throughout Ireland or abroad carrying with it part of IMMA. A passer-by would immediately become the viewer, engaged by its mysterious presence origin and purpose. On approaching, circumambulating the structure and on entering the outer chamber repeating that movement through a passage of sensual and cerebral transition before reaching the inner chamber and the final prize, Art.

As a budget was set for the competition, I worked within this figure. The estimated cost was �40,000 (�50,789.52) I was also very conscious of the need for this structure to be easily dismantled and re-erected in any given location. So simplicity in design was paramount. It is constructed with a scaffolding framework and clad with black enamelled metal bonded plywood sheets 2400 x 1200mm (Overall Size 8.4m x 6.0m x 7.2m high). The outer chamber is secured with a roller shutter and the base is lit with fluorescent light to emphasize its transient presence.