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The Flier

2016 Competition entry

Carmen Elizabeth Van Staden

Details:
Signed
Ink, mixed media
84 mm x 114 mm

Description:

This work captures the idea of static falling, as it is captured in a moment of time. It often feels like life spirals out of control, that we’re falling and slipping away from all order and control by the pressures of work and social expectations. 

Yet, we are never falling without conscious or unconscious protection. 

The medium is elemental to the message behind the work. The uncontrollable and translucent nature of ink embodies the mystery behind how we fall and how we’re carried through it. 

The origami birds originated from something real and living and are now caught without motion. They still encapsulate a presence - a secret, sacred essence. The birds are the guiding forces in our lives, keeping us afloat when we feel like we can’t do it ourselves. We can never be flightless birds, static and unresponsive to what makes us feel.  

The thread suspending the man is both comforting yet nerve wreckingly fragile. This enhances the uncontrollable fear we experience. The red thread is also a physical, pulsation /adrenaline of the moment experienced when falling, physical or emotionally. 

It’s like the idea of falling without fear – is it then falling? It might even be flying.