My work explores animals as decorative objects as well as the aesthetics of trophy animals and plush toys. I use materials such as pompoms, tassels, tinsel, and yarn in pieces that intentionally confuse traditional sculpture with handicrafts.
These awkward materials are beautiful, colourful and alluring and can be overwhelming when used in excess, creating an attraction / repulsion dynamic to the work. This dynamic has a relationship to my interest in animals and animal forms, like those that might be cute and cuddly but simultaneously dangerous and sinister.
A tension between decoration and representation is present when looking at animals. They are not only living creatures but can also be seen as decorative objects. Pets decorate living spaces, furs decorate the body, animal patterns decorate furniture, taxidermy decorates the museum diorama, and hunting trophies decorate the hunter.
Courtesy of Martin Browne Contemporary
polyurethane, acrylic yarn, glue, pins
62 x 45 x 37 cm
Finalist
Judges of the 2013 Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize: Nick Mitzevich (Director of the Art Gallery of SA) and Professor Ian Howard (College of Fine Arts, UNSW).
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