RSA Scottish Art
Two Females
 | Artist: Michael A Snowden |
| Title: Two Females | |
| Year: c. 1986 | |
| Medium: bronze | |
| Dimensions: | |
| Suggested topic: | |
| Source: RSA Diploma Collection | |
| View full screen image of this work | |
| Open print version of this work | |
| © the artist | |
| Description: Michael Snowden's sculptural work is almost entirely based around the human figure.Two Females is a complex piece, which was first created in hand-modelled clay and then cast in bronze. This is a 'relief' sculpture - so called because the original slab of flat clay supports figures which are modelled and formed on one side of the slab only and is intended to be viewed from the front. The artist has skilfully modelled both the figures in a realistic manner and they are almost fully three-dimensional. He is interested in showing the effort and energy put into the work through the surface texture. Clearly visible are the marks made by his fingerprints and modelling tools. He has also created an interesting contrast between the representation of warm living flesh from the cold hard bronze of which it is made.The compositional form is symmetrically balanced, since both figures appear to be cast from the same original figure. The outlines of the figures maintain a sense of movement and poise. The figures seem to fit together. They appear to be sleeping or thinking, and the intimacy this brings is increased by the fact that the figures are almost touching. The harmonious arrangement of the forms is enhanced by the almost circular shape of the background piece. A circle is the shape most closely associated with harmony and peace.The mood of the sculpture is tranquil, contemplative and sensual. Sleeping is something all humans can identify with. But the presence of two identical figures poses some questions. Does this piece represent twins, remembering the feeling of being in the womb? Does it represent a dreamer and her dream? Does the sculpture display friendship, love or the presence of a soul mate? Can you visualise the change in meaning that could occur if the figures were placed facing away from each other? | |
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