WOW (WINNERS OF WAR)

What do we really achieve?

WOW (Winners Of War), 2023-2026
Concrete, plaster, aluminium, glass, plastic pipe, gravel, nails, screws, electric cable, resin, mud, silicone, paint and wax
Unique work 
H65 x W80 x D50cm
© Mark Humphrey

“WOW (WINNERS OF WAR) PLACES TWO DAMAGED HEADS FROM THE EVERY ONE REMEMBERED MOULDS FACE TO FACE, CONSTRUCTED FROM CONCRETE AND PLASTER – MATERIALS OF THE BUILDINGS DESTROYED AROUND THEM. STEEL CABLES, ELECTRICAL WIRES AND FITTINGS BIND THE TWO PORTRAITS TOGETHER, FORCING OPPOSING SIDES INTO A SINGLE UNION, SHARING THE SAME DEVASTATION AND SUFFERING OF WAR.

SET ON A BLOOD-RED WAX PLINTH, THE HEADS RECALL THE GRANDEUR OF ANCIENT BUSTS CELEBRATING POWER AND VICTORY. YET AROUND THEM LIES ANNIHILATION – HOMES, COMMUNITIES AND THE STRUCTURES OF EVERYDAY LIFE REDUCED TO RUBBLE. THE MONUMENT MELTS BENEATH THEM, VICTORIOUS IN DEFEAT.”

Mark Humphrey