Nicola Hicks, Close Up

Flowers Gallery is pleased to present Close up an exhibition of sculpture by Nicola Hicks. Creating far more than mere picturesque portrayals of the domesticated, her work continues to expose us to the pure presence of animals: forms pervade the space in which they are situated.

Sculptures take over the intimate gallery space creating an emotionally charged environment. Hicks, explores not only the way that nature is traditionally viewed but the need for an observer to project human psychology onto an animal. Confronting these works evokes the viewer’s response to nature; whether comfort or fear they experience the feeling of standing in the presence of an animal. Through the examination of both the beasts physicality and her acute handling of materials which mimic fur and feathers: her forms are realised as creatures. The sculptures are trapped as if in a real moment of repose, engaged in conversation with each other: crow wondering whether to fly off at any moment and horse to lumber out the door.