Duckling

Nina Saunders (born 1958)

Paisley Museum

2009

This work references the story of ‘The Ugly Duckling' by Hans Christian Andersen, who, like Saunders, was born in Odense, Denmark. Andersen's auto-biographical, anthropomorphic tale is interpreted by Saunders in a witty and poignant way. It was created as part of a series called 'Katy's Envoy' which dealt with notions of (not) belonging and feeling excluded. Saunders uses quilted leather for this piece which has associations with the excluisivity of a Chesterfield armchair and yet it is a chair that you can't sit on. Saunders' previous works included upholstered furniture and animal taxidermy. However, in this series the artist's practice has developed to include more politicised references to civilian displacement, and the struggle of refugees.

• Medium: stuffed duckling, metal frame on wheels, fibre glass, upholstery materials, white leather, buttons
• Dimensions: 118 x 67 x 83cm
• Art Fund Grant: £3300 ( Total: £9,900)
• ArtFunded in: 2010
• Vendor: New Art Centre

Provenance

The artist.

Add your comments about this artwork Hide this form

Have your say