Perpetual Motion by Rachel Joynt and Remco de Fouw is one of Ireland’s most recognisable public artworks, located at the northern interchange of the M7 near Naas. The monumental sculpture takes the form of a nine-metre-diameter sphere, its surface textured and painted with road markings that suggest movement, direction and the flow of traffic across a globe. Designed to be viewed both from a distance and at speed, the work responds directly to its setting beside one of the country’s busiest transport corridors. Commissioned by Kildare County Council, the sculpture reflects the changing landscape of modern Ireland and the increasing role of transport infrastructure in shaping everyday life. The artists used familiar motorway markings to create a work that functions simultaneously as a landmark, a navigational reference point and a reflection on mobility, connectivity and development. Affectionately known to many as “The Naas Ball”, Perpetual Motion has become an iconic feature of the Kildare landscape and a well-known symbol for travellers entering and leaving Dublin. Its enduring popularity stems from its ability to transform an ordinary motorway junction into a memorable cultural landmark that is both playful and thought-provoking.
Perpetual Motion by Rachel Joynt & Remco de Fouw, Naas, 1996
