A wonderfully unusual plaster sculpture depicting a human head poised at the end of an exaggerated, elongated neck.
Modelled by hand, the work has a compelling simplicity. The long, slender neck rises organically from its rectangular base before terminating in a small, contemplative face, the head tilted gently upwards. Viewed in profile, the extreme proportions give the figure an elegant, almost otherworldly quality; from the front, the softly modelled features reveal a surprising sense of personality and intimacy.
The surface has been deliberately left with the irregularities of the sculpting process intact. Tool marks, scratches, areas of discolouration and subtle variations in the off-white plaster create a beautiful aged patina and emphasise the handmade character of the piece.
There is a particularly strong relationship between the elongated vertical form and the small human head — at once figurative and abstract. Its restrained palette and striking silhouette make it an excellent piece for a contemporary or minimalist interior, where it works equally well as a standalone sculpture or as part of a collection of artists’ studies and sculptural objects.
The sculpture bears an inscribed mark/signature near the base, visible in the photographs. Artist currently unidentified.
