Birds are creatures meant to soar. They inspire us to reach new heights ourselves. Those avian characteristics are what make London artist Kate McGwire’s work so poignant and powerful.
Guile ( detail ), Mixed media with dove and pigeon feathers in antique cabinet 1760 H x 705 W x 385 D mm ( photographed by Tessa Angus )
McGwire uses fallen feathers to create sculptures reminiscent of birds at rest, coiled upon themselves. By often placing her sculptures in antique cabinets and cloches, she creates a dichotomy between the suggested creature and its cage.
Guile, Mixed media with dove and pigeon feathers in antique cabinet 1760 H x 705 W x 385 D mm ( photographed by Tessa Angus )
Her sculptures have an otherworldly sense to them– as if they are alien beings, captured long ago for scientific observation or simply decoration.
Stifle, Mixed media with dove / white pigeon feathers in antique glass dome. 71 x 71 x 37 cm
The tension in her work is so palpable, it seems that if one just broke the glass, the creature inside would uncurl itself and rise above its shattered prison.
Cache, mixed media with pigeon tail feathers in antique metal trunk 46 x 26 x 43 cm ( photographed by Tessa Angus )
To see more of Kate McGwire’s work, please visit her website.
Artist found via My Modern Metropolis.
Featured image is Vex ( detail ), mixed media with pigeon feathers in antique museum cabinet, 183 x 110 x 61 cm. All images are via the artist’s website.
The Hook
February 7, 2012 at 11:53 AMIncredible!
christine
February 7, 2012 at 12:54 PMWow. These are amazing. Thank you.