Guardians, 2019 — NILI FEFERBERG ARTIST

The sculptures Anonymous Guardian, 2019 and Mickey is Watching You, 2019

Were inspired and are a response to the Two Lions sculptures from the 18th century, Rouen, France on display at the V&A museum.

The research drew from the V&A archive library, focusing on: the history, influences, meanings and materials involved in the making of the Two Lions sculptures.

The lions were associated with the meaning of protectors - guardians. This led me to question the concept of the guardian as we comprehend it in our society. Moving from its links to the state, the symbolic power behind the Two Lions is transferred to the private realm of the family and the items that may protect it as CCTV camera. Both realms are associated with the complex scenario where the protector could also be the abuser. My first work Anonymous Guardian is a symbol which stands for the ultimate positive protector that is missing. This idea is demonstrated by creating an empty volume/void in the sculpture and a skin-body like a ghost.

The second work Micky is Watching You stands for a childhood cartoon hero, who always saved his Mini.

Mickey is Watching You, 2019

Anonymous Guardian, 2019

Medium: Low firing clay, glaze and acrylic paint

Technique: Pressed mould and direct clay carving

Two Lions, 18th century

Medium: Terracotta clay, tin glaze.

Technique: Pressed mould

Photos by Sylvain Deleu and the artist, 2020