Ascending Nude (or Falling Man)
Suspended wire mesh sculpture • In the manner of Eric Medine or David Begbie
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative Minimalism / Mesh Art
Medium & Technique
Silver-toned galvanized steel or aluminum wire mesh; hand-molded through architectural shaping, crimping, and manual weaving to create volume and anatomical detail.
Creation Period
Early 21st century (c. 2010s to present)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 120cm - 150cm (height) in a free-hanging vertical format.
Subject Description
A life-sized or near-life-sized female figure captured in a state of levitation, flight, or falling. The composition emphasizes anatomical curves and dynamic tension, utilizing the transparency of the mesh to create a ghost-like, ethereal presence that interact with light and shadows.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the structure appears stable and the mesh maintains its intended volume.
Estimated Market Value
$2,500 - $6,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,500 - $3,500 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a contemporary gallery or direct artist commission; no visible labels or stamps are present on the wire surface.
Art Historical Significance
Representing the late 20th and early 21st-century shift toward industrial materials in figurative art, this piece explores the dichotomy between the heavy human form and the weightless, transparent properties of industrial mesh.
Notable Features
Significant use of negative space; the moiré effect created by overlapping layers of mesh provides a sense of internal organs or movement when viewed from different angles.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust within the mesh interstices; potential for slight oxidation if kept in humid environments; risk of structural deformation if handled without support.
Conservation Recommendations
Compressed air dusting or soft-bristle brush cleaning; suspension from a high-tensile clear monofilament; avoid direct physical contact to prevent mesh crushing.