Ishmael Randall-Weeks b. 1976
Shelf with bird, 2023
Bronze, clay
60 x 40 x 35 cm
23 5/8 x 15 3/4 x 13 3/4 in
23 5/8 x 15 3/4 x 13 3/4 in
Edition of 3 plus 1 artist's proof
Further images
Positioned on a prayer shelf, the bronze falcon sculpture explores the fascinating journey of this bird, discovering their migratory path from Alaska to the Peruvian coastline for breeding. The artist...
Positioned on a prayer shelf, the bronze falcon sculpture explores the fascinating journey of this bird, discovering their migratory path from Alaska to the Peruvian coastline for breeding. The artist notes the falcon's speed and flight pattern, connecting it to themes of communication and transformation throughout this body of work. The falcon's symbolism, representing freedom and power, intertwines Incan mythology and Bedouin heritage. Notably, Cusco's sacred site, Sacsayhuaman, translates to "the place the Falcon is Satiated," embedding the falcon's significance in Incan beliefs. In Incan culture, the falcon symbolizes the sun and the lineage of Manco Capac Inca. This narrative intriguingly aligns with the vital role falcons play in Bedouin society, shaping the identities of the Arabian Gulf's people. The artist's work draws symbolic connections between migratory paths, ancient cultures, and contemporary contexts. Ishmael’s pursuit of material and spiritual form, as a testament to time's passage, explores the essence of guidance and displacement. The installation involves firing desert clay as well, which, despite cracks, becomes symbolic of ecological concerns and transformation. The prayer shelf's placement is influenced by Malevich's square, contributing to the overall narrative of the exhibition.