Isabel Nolan’s sculpture, Turning Point, is a Dublin landmark. It’s more than just a pretty thing to look at. It has a story.
The Spirit of the Air Sculpture stands tall. Many know it as simply the yellow sculpture. It is a key meeting point. It stands at the heart of the arrivals and departures journey in Terminal 2 since November 2010. Millions of passengers have seen it.
Imagine being an artist asked to create something for this space. Nolan was one of several artists. They all made proposals for a major artwork. The artwork would grace the new terminal building. Nolan was commissioned during the construction of T2. She produced a large symmetrical steel structure. It comprises a series of arcs and ellipses.
Have you ever wondered why it looks the way it does? According to Nolan, the shape and finish of Turning Point are important. They ensure it is utterly unlike the rest of the building. It still complements it.
Given its position within the terminal and its design, Turning Point looks quite different. This depends on where you view it from. This adds to its appeal.
The name was chosen because of the sculpture’s location. Departing and arriving passengers mix here. It represents a moment in time. It is a potential turning point in millions of different personal stories.
Think of all the journeys that begin or end near The Spirit of the Air Sculpture. Each person carries their own story. It is a story of hope, excitement, or perhaps a little bit of sadness.
The Spirit of the Air Sculpture is more than just steel. It’s a symbol. It represents a moment of change and connection. It is a place where stories intersect.