Anna-Wili Highfield's Spirit Faces
www.gessato.com February 1, 2018
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A selection of thought-provoking, mixed media sculptures.
After the clean and minimal photographs of sunny LA which provided a vibrant glimpse into the urban landscape of California, New York-based gallery Olsen Gruin presents the work of a strikingly different artist. Anna-Wili Highfield‘s Spirit Faces exhibition features mixed media sculptures that create an intriguing collection. Made of a blend of glamorous materials, brass, and spray painting finishes, the intricate artworks draw the viewer closer. Animals and body parts combine in carefully shaped sculptures that often remind of a self-portrait.
Lion, 2017. Brass, feathers, rope, wool, shells, plaster, freshwater pearls, ink, spray paint, 51 1/8 x 35 3/8 x 19 5/8″ (130 x 90 x 50 cm)
Apart from infusing her works with personal meaning and introspection, Anna-Wili Highfield also puts a mirror in front of humanity as a whole to highlight its undeniable closeness to the animal world. Primal but thoughtful; messy but aesthetically refined. Materials such as velvet and felt appear alongside freshwater pearls and feathers as well as coral or onyx. A story of contrasts, the artworks are deeply personal yet also universal. The Australian artist’s first commercial gallery show, the Spirit Faces exhibition lasts from February 6 to March 6, 2018. Photographs© Anna-Wili Highfield and Olsen Gruin.
Self as Naturalist, 2017. Brass, stone, shells, cotton rag, watercolors, spray paint, freshwater pearls, 39 3/8 x 23 5/8 x 19 5/8″ (100 x 60 x 50 cm)