Elephant in the Room

Created in partnership with Draiocht, Riverbank Arts Centre and funded by the Arts Council.

Photo credit: Ste Murray

Design & Fabrication for Spectacle

The Elephant in the Room is a creative collaboration between Paul Curley and ArtFX's Ger Clancy that was brought into selected primary schools in Ireland. Covering the surface of the elephant at regular intervals are round mirrors of all sizes and shapes, a visual symbol of the piece's purpose - offering the students a means to literally reflect on their own 'elephants in the room'.

The body of the elephant is made up of a complicated system of interconnecting laser-cut wooden pieces, that combine together seamlessly to create the recognisable form. One key requirement was the ability for the sculpture to be assembled and dissassembled in situ, no easy feat for such a complex piece.

The intelligent fabrication design means the Elephant can 'magically' appear in school gyms or foyers, leaving children spellbound. Their first question is "How did that fit in the door?!"

The Elephant in the Room will be touring Ireland in 2026.