Installation author Malcolm Cochran created Cornhenge in 1994 at the request of the Dublin Arts Council. According to a 1995 article in the PCI Journal, “From a distance, a field of corncobs resembles graves. The artist used this symbolism to represent the death and rebirth of people and society. Cochran says the Field of Corn installation is meant to commemorate our heritage, to mark the end of an agrarian lifestyle. And in the process of looking back, make us think about where we are going, about the bright present and future.”
The monument consists of 109 concrete cobs of corn that stand upright in rows that mimic a field of corn. The weight of each cob is 680 kg and the height is 1,9 m. Rows of orange trees are planted at the end of the corn field. Nearby is Sam & Eulalia Frantz Park, planted and donated to the city in the late 20th century by Sam Frantz, the inventor of several hybrid corn species.
At first, the people of Dublin were not happy with the monument, regretting the tax money spent. However, in the 25 years that Cornhenge has existed, feelings have changed. It has become popular with tourists and locals alike, and some even choose to have their weddings in the nearby park.
“Public art must evoke an emotional response,” says Dublin Arts Council Executive Director David Gion. “And the Field of Korn monument did just that. These sculptures brought attention to what might otherwise have been overlooked, they raised questions and provided a topic for discussion. The installation is memorable and distinguishes our area from others, helping to honor the past of our community and shape its bright future,” says Gion.