Praying Mantis
Sculpture details
Artist: Alan Williams
Year: 2020
Commission / type: Private commission
Dimensions: H 140 × W 80 × D 12 cm
Display / installation: Wall hanging
Current location / status: Private commission
Price / value: £4,500
About the work
One of the most captivating insects on the planet, the praying mantis has an intricate, highly articulated anatomy. Its swivelling head and powerful clasping forelegs give it an almost otherworldly appearance, and those characteristics drove the design of this sculpture.
This work was completed as a private commission in 2020. It was previously catalogued simply as Mantis; Praying Mantis is the preferred title.
Materials and construction
Made from retired tools, found objects, forged steel, copper sheet, steel mesh, motorbike sprockets, an exhaust heat shield and a kickstand. The front legs use aluminium table legs.
The eyes are forged steel mesh backed with dished copper. Most of the head and mandibles were made from a single large pair of bolt cutters, cut into separate pieces and components to build the form.
