Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
IRELAND — Passengers gazing out of their windows while flying over Ireland might be surprised to find an 11-acre child's face looking back at them.
The giant portrait, best seen from the sky, was created for the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queens by Cuban-American artist Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada. He used satellite technology combined with 30,000 pegs and 2,000 tons of sand to make it happen, according to a press release.
Called "Wish," festival officials claim the portrait of an anonymous Belfast child is the largest piece of land-art ever created in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The land and materials were all donated.
"I have created work in the States and all over Europe but this piece in Belfast has been a different experience for me," Rodriguez-Gerada said in a press release. "The people have been overwhelming in their support and belief in the concept."
It took 18 months to plan "Wish" and one month to construct, according to The Belfast Telegraph.
"When I first started on this work it was only five acres but it grew both emotionally and physically," he said. "Now, at 11 acres, it is my largest piece and I believe this magnitude is a fitting tribute to a city which has so much positivity to offer."
If you can cover the costs to make it to Ireland, viewing the work is free from various spots in Titanic Quarter.
The festival offers more than 70 different artistic performances, ranging from theater to music, throughout Belfast until Oct. 27.