Untitled (Soft Sculpture with Blue Hands)
Installation piece / Soft sculpture • Enrico David
Style & Movement
Contemporary Art / Post-Surrealism. The work reflects a hybrid of craft-based folk art traditions and avant-garde theatrical design.
Medium & Technique
Mixed media including embroidered fabric, appliqué, stuffing, and acrylic paint. The technique involves hand-stitching and intricate needlework on a padded textile form to create a three-dimensional humanoid figure.
Creation Period
Circa 2003–2009
Dimensions & Format
Approximately life-sized; roughly 180 x 60 x 30 cm depending on the specific installation configuration.
Subject Description
An elongated, reclining anthropomorphic figure with a flattened, mask-like face and red-painted lips. The body is decorated with elaborate polychromatic stitching and linear patterns reminiscent of anatomical diagrams or costume decorative motifs. The figure possesses distinct dark blue gloved hands and feet, suggesting a state of performative dress or psychological transformation.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent. Based on the visual evidence, the textile surface remains taut, colors are vibrant, and there are no visible signs of fraying or light-damage fading.
Estimated Market Value
$60,000 - $90,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$40,000 - $70,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely originated from a major gallery representation such as Michael Werner Gallery or Cabinet, London. Likely exhibited in a major retrospective or museum installation (e.g., ICA London or the Turner Prize exhibition).
Art Historical Significance
Significant as an example of David's mid-career exploration of the 'body-as-costume.' His work is central to the revival of craft and figurative surrealism in 21st-century contemporary art, challenging the boundaries between the decorative arts and fine art.
Notable Features
The contrast between the primitive, folk-style facial features and the highly sophisticated, almost industrial-grade precision of the embroidery on the torso/limbs is a hallmark of David's specific aesthetic.
Condition Issues
None visible in the image. Potential risks for this medium include atmospheric dust accumulation, fabric yellowing from UV exposure, and internal structural settling of the stuffing material.
Conservation Recommendations
Should be displayed in a climate-controlled environment with low UV light levels. Handling should be done with archival gloves to avoid oil transfer to the delicate embroidery.
Collector Notes
Enrico David