The Figure
The Messenger
According to Plato, all of the gods and the souls of humanity have wings, as does this heroic figure, communicating the bond between man and his spirit.
The Messenger
The angle-like “Messenger” is representative of the spirit, portrayed as striding forward as she gently lands, and begins to furl her dramatic wings. Demonstrating a continuing interest in mythological history, this heroic figure represents the bearer of wisdom and enlightenment, much as flight has an affinity with both science and spirit. The movement of her arms confirm her attachment with the heavens as well as the earth with her right arm reaching to the sky and her own spirituality, as her left searches for the earth and its humanity.
It is within that the spirit is portrayed; the solid robust figure caught in a moment that might suggest she has arrived to announce some proclamation to the world. This piece is intended to generate the impression of permanence; she represents a spirit that has been with us for eternity, the spirit within us and in our history. If the figure could speak her message would address the soul of humanity.
This archaic icon has symbolised different things to many diverse cultures as it has transcended through the ages. The Greeks and the Romans among other cultures claimed this winged image as Nike or Victory, and dedicated her to the glory of war. Religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Islam have all spoken of angels as possessing wings. Christianity has often based this imagery on the classical depictions of winged humans’ which can be in effect seen as disguised pagan Gods known in mythology as Eros, Zephyr and Hermes.
Perhaps it is with this sculpture, that I come closest to demonstrating what I would like to convey when I speak of the Spirit in my work. The winged spirit, or figure, has come to me several times as a subject upon which I have sought to create a piece but, only here, has this image manifested itself in a truly powerful form.
The sculpture was originally created as a monument to the glory of peace and humanity. The expression of these very themes; the spreading of wisdom, and the bringing of intellectual light persuaded the Foundation “Education for Peace” to adopt “The Messenger” as their emblem in 1997, symbolising their philanthropic endeavours to educate for peace in war torn societies.
