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Endemic to Antarctica

Hope, they say, is the last thing that we lose. When all is lost, we focus on the horizon, look into oblivion and believe that all will be well. This is the message that is etched on the Endemic of Antarctica, an abstract sculpture done perfectly by Shanna Fliegel (From 3,000 to 400 23” x 13” x 17”, 2012). A penguin with a partially masked human head, placed on a pedestal in the Northcutt Steele Gallery, and its eyes focused on yonder. This sculpture represents realism, albeit harshly, the message is clear; protect the egg at all costs. It illustrates the reality that exists not only in the Antarctica, but also in other parts of the world.

The artist’s careful employment of penguin colours, black and white, with a dash of red on the fins, slight yellow round the neck, and maroon on the excursion regalia, create a unified, as well as captivating piece of artwork. The artist’s choices of colours are hinged on realism, she does not attempt to overdo the colours, and she represents reality as it appears. The choice of placing a masked human head on a penguin and donning it with a knife, as well as excursion paraphernalia are meant to capture the viewers’ interest. The mask symbolises a readiness of war, covering all parts of the head, and leaving the most vital organs necessary at battle; the eyes. The knife and excursion gear are well placed on the back for easy access in case of any eventuality.

The penguin seems to be protecting an egg that is embroiled between its two legs, which have sharp claws. They have been painted a shadowy red to highlight sharpness. The colours adopted for the eyes, are deep and blue, ensure that focus is maintained. The artist has made one eye bigger than the other depicting high levels of concentration. The curves of the sculpture are carved with utmost precision, leaving no room for bumps, patchy roughness on the lower posterior section. This is exactly how a penguin’s rear looks like.

Inasmuch, as implied by the title, the sculpture depicts an excursion to the Antarctica, the gear all set, the flippers smooth and streamlined, the focus eminent on saving the egg. Keeping it safe the best way a penguin knows, between its legs. The abdominal section is protruding to some extent, an indication of the posture of the penguin. This is meant to ensure that the egg is placed on the warmest parts of a penguin’s body. The placing of a human male head on a penguin denotes the responsibility bestowed on a male penguin; to ensure the survival of the egg in the frost Antarctica conditions.

To emphasis a point, the artist chose to place a male human head on a penguin. This was to show that the male penguin is fundamental in ensuring survival of the penguin race. This is achieved by guaranteeing continuity of their lineage, by making sure the egg survives the harsh conditions. The sculpture is realistic, the natural style and choice of presentation gives the viewer a vivid feeling of being out in on an excursion in Antarctica. Although, the human head on a penguin does not realize every detail of the scene, the artist still gives a seething rendition by application of factual colours that are seemingly strong, deliberate and delicate. The flippers are well positioned, and painted in dark red, this makes the sculpture appear abstract and realistic. The posterior is painted using thicker brighter colours; this technique used by the artist embroils the sculpture in a soft texture, yet revealing a realistic feel. The two elements combine to create a wonderful kind of equilibrium.

Although the colours, presentation, style and texture have been successfully employed to bring out the mood, the strongest point of this sculpture is its abstract, yet realistic nature. The breathtaking aspect achieved by the artist is the ability to create an illusion of combined realities and draw the viewer’s eye so deeply into the scene. One eye, being bigger than the other (in value and definition) is found. The human head is the region that captures the viewers’ attention. Nonetheless, as soon as one beholds the misplaced human head, the eye is rapidly drawn to the lower region, the abdominal section and the legs, moving lower to see the egg. The viewer will automatically desire to continue roving round the sculpture, Thereon, the knife on its back takes the viewer to another reality altogether.

This point of imagined reality is presented so vividly, to the extent that a viewer can question whether it is possible that there exists such a creature. The viewer is attracted to the sculpture because it manages to bewilder their imagination, taking them to a place of ‘what if?’ reality. They will continue to be engrossed as they try to unravel what the artist was thinking while doing the sculpture. Overall, Shanna Friegel has a remarkable piece, that she has achieved through colours, style and texture, as well as interesting composition. Any passerby is bound to be taken aback by the abstract realistic sculpture.