Using a 3D mobile artwork to tell the story of a Geopark in Ireland
This innovative interpretive creation became a key feature of our events throughout 2024. A mobile piece of 3D pavement art was literally rolled out at every event held within the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark https://mournegullionstrangfordgeopark.com in Ireland last year. However, as we prepared to launch it on its 2025 odyssey, we discovered that Storm Darragh’s fury in November had caused irreparable damage. The cumulative wear of thousands of enthusiastic feet had also taken its toll, leaving it looking decidedly tatty. And so, with great reluctance, we have retired the exhibit.
But let’s go back to the beginning and tell the story of its creation while we mourn its departure from our interpretive toolkit.
3D pavement art, also known as anamorphic street painting, is a fascinating form of public art that creates the illusion of three-dimensional depth on a flat surface. Using precise perspective techniques, artists craft stunning images that appear to rise from or sink into the pavement when viewed from a specific angle. Though this technique dates back to the Renaissance, it has seen a surge in popularity in modern street art. However, such works are rare in soggy, windy Ireland, where traditional 3D pavement art—often created with chalk or pastels—struggles to survive the famously unpredictable climate. The idea of painstakingly creating a detailed piece only for it to be washed away in the next downpour didn’t seem practical. We also needed something portable, as the Geopark spans a vast area, and we wanted to take the exhibit to multiple locations.
In my research, I came across an artist who specialises in pavement art suited to the Irish climate—Mark Cronin https://markcroninart.com. His method was perfect for our needs: instead of chalk, he paints in acrylic on the back of offcuts of flooring vinyl, allowing the artwork to be rolled up and transported easily. This approach would allow us to bring the magic of 3D art to venues across the Geopark, regardless of the weather.
The optical illusion of 3D pavement art relies on distorted proportions that, when viewed from the intended angle, create a lifelike depth effect. I envisioned using this technique to depict the underground world of the Geopark, linking the shape of the landscape to the geological processes that formed it far below the surface. A deep chasm—a classic theme in 3D pavement art—seemed the perfect way to illustrate the cooling of vast underground magma pools and their subsequent exposure through millions of years of erosion by ice and water.
Mark was inspired by the idea of showcasing the formation of the landscape, particularly the Ring Dyke of the Ring of Gullion and the Mountains of Mourne, and their deep cultural connections—from prehistoric cairns to the granite streets of Newry City. I created a storyboard with photos and illustrations highlighting key features to tell the story of the Geopark’s geology and its influence on today’s culture and traditions. Mark took this and added a brilliant interactive twist by incorporating the popular childhood game of avoiding the ‘lava’, challenging participants to balance precariously over the chasm on a favourite landmark balancing rock in the Mournes.
This mobile 3D pavement art proved to be an incredibly engaging way to attract public attention and encourage interaction. Once we had people hooked—getting them to snap photos of their children teetering on the edge of magma dykes and other geological formations—we had the perfect opportunity to share the deeper social, scientific, historical, and environmental messages of the Geopark. The piece worked best with a human interpreter to guide discussions and answer questions, drawing people toward our information stands and stalls. However, we also found that even when it was unattended, people used it to explore the landscape’s features and were entertained by it. It became a fun, accessible way to spark curiosity and turn streets into immersive, thought-provoking experiences.
Now, I just need to find funding for a new piece and, crucially, make sure it’s never left outside overnight during a red wind warning! Sure, it was waterproof, but even the best materials can’t withstand a Force 8 gale. Lesson learned.
Abby McSherry works for Newry Mourne and Down District council and can be reached at: abby.mcsherry@nmandd.org.
To cite this article: Tomljanović, Ileana (2024) ‘A heritage with moustaches‘ in Interpret Europe Newsletter 4-2024, pg.13-14.
Available online: https://interpret-europe.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Newsletter-2024_4.pdf
