self-confidence, strength and sympathy, Art@Site

self-confidence, strength and sympathy
This artwork Angel by Emily Young has the potential to say meaningful things about the role of the European tradition because it combines elements from this tradition creatively.
On top of a number of pillars a face is superimposed. The eyes, nose and mouth are surrounded by coarse hair. The face radiates self-confidence, strength and sympathy.
To me, a column is (and an array of colomns are) is an important supporting element of a building with a social or religious function. By putting a face on a pedestal, I am thinking of the people who shaped this social or religious function.
An array of colums is aesthetically strong. To me, a face is the strongest element to add emotion and meaning to an artwork.
By Theo, www.artatsite.com
The European
Shape
On top of a number of pillars a face is superimposed. The eyes, nose and mouth are surrounded by coarse hair. The face radiates self-confidence, strength and sympathy.
To me, a column is an important supporting element of a building with a social or religious function. By putting a face on a pedestal, I am thinking of the people who shaped this social or religious function.
Material
The face is carved out of stone. The eyes, cheeks and mouth are smoothed and polished. The nose is slightly violated, the chin is notched, the cheeks are damaged. A portion of the face is still hidden in the stone. The left and right side-head are partly missing and the hair is schematically carved in the material but not cut yet.
It seems as if the face is still in the making. Also, it seems that the face is old, damaged by time and found again after centuries. Is this a face that is in progress or is it placed back on the pedestal after centuries?
Location
Multiple columns stand on a square near the church. Therefore, a comparison with columns of the church is easy made. The question is whether the artist intended it.
Meaning
This work has the potential to say meaningful things about the role of the European tradition because it combines elements from this tradition creatively.
By Theo, www.artatsite.com
Emily Young works in a traditional free carving method of stone sculpting. She is best known for her distinctive angel heads and discs. Of the angels she has said, ‘The looks on the faces of the angels are not planned as such, they arrive and surprise me often with their softness and sadness, and strength and calm. But like all good angels, they have a certain graveness, an objectivity, a touch of the infinite, and a certain compassion.’ Of her discs she has said, ‘The discs, lunar or solar, are also like angels, heavenly bodies, stars, whirling in dark space, carrying information about our origins and throwing out light to us.’ ‘Emily Young’s work is characterized by the highly individual way in which it combines strength with gentleness. Her sculptures are massive, often chthonic, but their contours are rounded as if moulded by a lover’s hand rather than chiseled out by steel.’ Louis de Bernieres (novelist) Emily Young has exhibited widely and her public installations include the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, St Paul’s Churchyard (London), Salisbury Cathedral, and La Defence (Paris).
www.acetrust.org
This project involved the construction of 5 large stone columns in a central London location.
www.woottonanddawe.com
Emily Young is the artist who sculpted the five angels who overlook St Paul's Courtyard, currently the site of the Occupy London Stock Exchange protest. Here she speaks about her sculptures as she sees them in a new light.
Polly Tikkle Productions