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Icarus Rising (monumental) Sculpture

Nicola Godden

United Kingdom

Sculpture, 3d Sculpting on Bronze

Size: 157.5 W x 196.9 H x 59.1 D in

This artwork is not for sale.

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Artist Recognition
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ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Please reach out to curator@saatchiart.com for pricing. The story of Icarus and his attempt to fly is a compelling one and full of drama and excitement; a story about ambition, risk, and the consequences of reaching for the impossible. In Greek mythology, Icarus flies too close to the sun with wings made of feathers and wax, and while his ambition is admirable, it ultimately leads to his downfall. But Nicola didn’t want to focus on the failure. Instead, she was drawn to the daring, the moment of reaching for greatness. It allows the imagination to run riot. This is Icarus at the peak of his joy and ecstasy, his trance like state before his world collapses. It is a moment of sheer pleasure and utter thrill and wonder. The arching figure is full of movement and youthful vigour; he is putting all his strength and energy into his push to reach the great height he desires. One of the most exciting aspects of Icarus Rising is its sheer size. You can walk beneath the sculpture, looking up at Icarus' wings as if they’re about to take flight. Standing beneath it, you feel a powerful sense of ambition and daring. Nicola’s decision to capture Icarus in mid-flight, just before his fall, is intentional. She wanted to celebrate the boldness and bravery of ambition rather than focusing on failure. It’s more than a work of art—it’s a statement about the human spirit, the drive to achieve, and the beauty of reaching for the sky. The patina of the bronze is earthy colours. He has his face to the sun; his back has the morning light and his front the afternoon and evening light. Finished this year, 2024, Icarus Rising took 18 months to produce and is the largest and most ambitious sculpture Nicola has made to date. If the current edition piece has been sold it will take 18-24 weeks to produce the new edition work in bronze as it is all hand made from the original mould. The sculptor is heavily involved in each stage of the progress.

DETAILS AND DIMENSIONS
Sculpture:

3d Sculpting on Bronze

Original:

One-of-a-kind Artwork

Size:

157.5 W x 196.9 H x 59.1 D in

SHIPPING AND RETURNS
Delivery Time:

Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments.

I have been a Sculptor for over 30 years. My pieces are created in either plaster or clay and the finished article is then cast in bronze or resin. The bulk of my work has been my private work of various sizes exhibited in galleries in the U.K, Ireland and the USA. Over the years I have also worked on many site specific public works with property companies and other organisations. My public works include the statue of Sir Peter Scott at the Wetlands Centre in Barnes, England and the sculpture of Icarus that was commissioned for the Olympic Village in London 2012. My work, whether it is abstract or realistic, is nearly always based on the human figure and there is usually a story behind every piece. I have always wanted to work from the human form because of the feelings and emotions it conveys. My work has changed enormously over time and has gone through many phases. These phases have been heavily influenced by what was happening in my life. Ideas for new work can come from anywhere. They can come from a piece of flint or bone found while out walking or from a dream, mythology or something briefly half seen while travelling somewhere. Over the last few years I have been excited by the mythological figure of Icarus and have produced a series of ‘Icarus’ pieces. These ideas began when I was learning how to fly (in an Ikarus C42) and I found the combination of man and wings so compelling. I work in clay or plaster because it is fast and I like to get the ideas out quickly. I start with a metal supporting armature and use aluminium wire to produce the rough shape I am after. I like to keep the spontaneity and to get ideas as I work so I rarely produce a sketch of the piece before I start working on it. Most of my finished work is cast in bronze. Light reflects well off the surface and it can be irresistible to touch. I enjoy people wanting to touch the finished work. Casting bronze is complex and time consuming and I try to be involved at each stage of the process. This metal is timeless and has its own fascinating history and, of course, should outlive us all.

Artist Recognition
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