Second Public Art Installation Added to Back Bay Fens

BOSTON, MA — The artistic celebration of the Irish Centennial continues in Boston, with the addition of "Well House," a second public art piece in the Fens/Muddy River Park section of the Emerald Necklace.

Boston-Irish artist Michael Dowling's newly installed work joins Caoimhghin Ó Fraithile's floating piece, "South of Hy-Brasil," as the second installation in "Tír na nÓg." The pieces are part of the Fenway Alliance's 2016 "Public by Design" series, in partnership with South Boston-based Medicine Wheel Productions.

The two temporary public artworks are Boston's part in a worldwide celebration of of the 100th anniversary of Ireland's Easter Rising insurrection against the British government. In Irish folklore, Tír na nÓg refers to a supernatural realm, or Otherworld. It is the theme for both installations.

Read More: The Story Behind the Fens' New Floating Art Installation

Where Ó Fraithile's "South of Hy-Brasil" floats in the lagoon behind the art museum, Dowling's "Well House" sits nestled on its shore.

According to Medicine Wheel Productions, which commissioned both projects in partnership with the Fenway Alliance, "Well House" is inspired by the Emly Shrine, part of the neighboring Museum of Fine Arts' permanent collection. It explores the concept of water as a blessing.

The temporary public art will remain through October in the Back Bay Fens.

>> Photos courtesy of the artist, and Brian McCarthy