In the fall of 2020, the wreckage of a Short Stirling was recovered from Lake Markermeer in the Netherlands. This British bomber crashed during the Second World War. To honour the crew, the municipality of Almere wanted to create an artwork. In December 2019, the municipality called for artists to apply. The jury decided in favour of Laura O’Neill’s artwork Rise. This artwork has been realised in the park Bos der Onverzettelijken in 2021.
O’Neill's artwork consists of a part of the wreckage, on top of which a life-sized young man sits. His clothing marks him as a pilot from the Second World War. He looks at the flag pole that also stands on the field, and invites other generations to remember as well. O’Neill was struck by the young age of the crew members. With Rise, she wants to honour their sacrifice for our freedom.
O’Neill (1990) originally from England, now works and lives in Almere. She went to the University of Westminster and achieved her Masters degree Sculpture at the Royal College of Art, both located in London. Her work can be seen in the Netherlands as well as in other countries, for example at the new courthouse in Amsterdam, Fold Lab, Chalton Gallery in London, and Karen Huber in Mexico City.
The story of the Short Stirling reminded Laura of her grandfather. He fought for Britain during the Second World War. Laura considers it an honour to be able to create this artwork to commemorate the men who, like her grandfather, fought for freedom.
