“Still from The Feathered Prison Fan,” created by artist Rebecca Horn in 1978, is a compelling work within the realms of both Conceptual and Feminist Art. This installation piece showcases Horn’s innovative approach to art and her vivid exploration of themes central to feminist ideology, notably the interplay between entrapment and liberation.
The artwork features an elaborate assembly of large, delicate feathers resembling a fan that encapsulates a human figure. The figure, visible from the knees down, is adorned in ballet pointe shoes, suggesting an element of elegance juxtaposed against the notion of confinement. This encapsulation suggests both protection and entrapment, with the feathers creating a barrier that obscures the identity of the individual while simultaneously highlighting their presence. The use of organic materials such as feathers enhances the intimate and almost ethereal quality of the piece, making a poignant statement on the delicate balance between fragility and strength within the human condition. The setting, characterized by the polished wooden floor and the refined architectural details of the room, contrasts with the softness of the feathers and the raw vulnerability of the figure, thus intensifying the emotional impact of the work.
