Mermaid c. 1913 - 1966

Curator: Henri Gaudier-Brzeska’s sculpture, simply titled "Mermaid," captivates with its solemn repose. Editor: There's a palpable sense of melancholy; she seems burdened, almost defeated. Curator: Gaudier-Brzeska was deeply engaged with modernist movements, particularly Vorticism, but this piece feels more intimate. We see a classical subject rendered with simplified forms. Editor: The way the figure is fused with the base, almost emerging from it, speaks to the constraints placed upon women and the burdens they bear. Curator: This work also exists within a context of pre-war sculpture and anxieties of early 20th century culture. Editor: It's a powerful commentary on female representation, even today, considering how women's bodies are often displayed. Curator: Ultimately, "Mermaid" remains an evocative work, rich with nuanced possibilities. Editor: It's a quiet piece, that demands a deeper conversation about vulnerability and resilience.