Prince Charming, Mickael Alacoque, 2008
Just a few moments ago, I discovered quite an unusual body of work by Mickael Alacoque, an artist / sculptor based in the United Kingdom who has created a series of sculptures that feature a bizarre, yet distinctive visual aesthetic. Alacoque’s ‘Bad Babysitters’ features a range of three-dimensional works that successfully combine three individual components including a human skull, two melting ice-cream cones and the body of a small canine, as referenced by Skullspiration. 1
I remember feeling that overwhelming sense of bewilderment as I continued to stare at this pink, fluorescent statue with the two ice-cream cones protruding from the forehead of the skull. Alacoque’s Prince Charming features quite an obscure appearance, although the work features a high level of detail and intricacy that is combined with an element of spontaneity.
Etruria and Florence, Alacoque, 2010
This particular work motivated me to undertake some further research into the artist’s own influences or inspirations. A Gallery presents an interesting statement by Alacoque who explains his previous training or expertise within “figurative sculpture and mould making,” as well as his interest in public monuments. The artist explores these traditional techniques within an artistic, contemporary context through the use of vibrant colours and iconic symbols. 2
Alacoque obscures the way the ‘public statue’ is interpreted or examined within society and the sculptural works present quite a unique, imaginative style through the use of bright, fluorescent colours and textures. The melting ice-cream cones, the grimacing skull and the canine’s body feature a refined, yet detailed structure that are combined in order to create a completely different meaning or interpretation all together.
Alacoque, Mitty, 2008
In regards to Alacoque’s statement from AGallery, “Gnome Kone and Bad Babysitter are part of a series of sculptures that are concerned with a playfully sinister bastardization of familiar objects.” 3
These sculptures in particular are often described as unsettling when they are viewed up close, however I don’t necessarily find them disturbing, in fact I find the Bad Babysitter series rather amusing or entertaining. From a personal perspective, the compositional elements present a playful, humorous and satirical disposition that successfully provide quite a memorable impression.
If you are interested in Alacoque’s eccentric works, I would recommend visiting the links listed below for further details.
References
1. Skullspiration, “Skull Sculptures by Mikael Alacoque,” http://www.skullspiration.com/skull-sculptures-by-mikael-alacoque/
2. Mikael Alacoque, Artist’s Statement, A Gallery, http://www.agallery.co.uk/gallery/mikael_alacoque.php
3. Alacoque, Artist’s Statement, A Gallery
Other References
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mikael-Alacoque/31318213675 (Images are sourced from Facebook Page)
skullsproject 