“Bird Boy,” a sculpture created in 1995 by Lenore Tawney, is a notable work within the Post-Minimalism art movement. The artwork exemplifies Tawney’s distinctive approach to sculpture and artistry.
The artwork features a headless mannequin-like figure standing upright. The body is simplified and stylized, lacking detailed anatomical features, which is characteristic of post-minimalist aesthetics. On the figure’s neck sits a bird, crafted with careful attention to texture and form, its head extended forward as if surveying its surroundings. The figure is adorned with boots and other embellishments, adding to its intriguing and surreal appearance. The juxtaposition of the human form with that of the bird suggests a synthesis between human and avian elements, embodying themes of transformation and identity. The use of raw, earthy materials adds to the piece’s tactile and organic quality.
