The Games People Play

I am thrilled to share with you my latest bronze sculpture series, namely “The Games People Play”. Although it seems very whimsical on the surface, it explores the intricate and often manipulative nature that define our social interactions.

The central figure in the series is once again my origami bunny avatar / muse “Lapine” – a symbol of vulnerability, innocence, agility, and resilience. She represents a nimble and adaptable spirit trying to find her way through the intricate, and at times adversarial landscapes of the rules of social engagement.

Each sculpture references a specific game. For instance, a figure balancing precariously on a hopscotch grid speaks to the journey of life, its strict rules, and the risk of a single misstep, while a sculpture depicting a figure reminiscent of a unicorn, is a commentary on the masks of purity and perceived virtue we sometimes wear. The masks themselves are an important motif, symbolizing the duality of concealment and transformation. They are not merely objects but psychological tools, used to hide our true selves or to project a new persona.

In this series I use the ancient and enduring medium of bronze, a material traditionally used to commemorate heroes, gods, and historical moments through its permanence.

I am particularly drawn to the transformative process of lost-wax casting. I start with a fragile piece of folded paper that turns into a delicate wax form, and is then transformed into a solid bronze artwork, cementing the permanence of the choices we make. In the intricate shapes and patinas, they retain the memory of their paper origin. This transformation is key to the work’s meaning, highlighting the contrast between the inherent fragility of the paper model and the cold, unyielding nature of the bronze material. a permanent record of a fragile process

The tension between these materials mirrors the psychological tension inherent in the games we play. Its strength and permanence also create a fascinating contrast with the transient and often fragile nature of the human interactions I depict.

These finishes are not merely aesthetic choices; they represent the different layers of our public and private selves. The polished surfaces reflect the carefully constructed facades we present to the world, while the distorted and fragmented forms beneath hint at the underlying anxieties, insecurities, and emotional scars and hidden motives. perfectly constructed to deflect, charm, or intimidate. A reminder that the games we play are both enduring and, like the metal itself, capable of being transformed and re-contextualized over time.

Through the timeless medium of bronze, I invite viewers to engage with these sculptures as both a historical and personal reflection of their own roles in these games, and their lasting impact.

Beneath the surface of every interaction lies a complex web of motivations, expectations, and uncomfortable truths represents the roles we adopt and the strategies we employ to navigate the complexities of our relationships.