Birdman I, Nicola Godden, Bronze, Edition of 9, 37cm high by 25cm wide by 13cm deep, Body, Classical Mythology, Male, Men, People sculpture
This piece by Nicola Godden depicts a mythological male figure with wings raised, poised on tiptoe atop a narrow plinth. The figure leans slightly forward, suggesting both balance and motion, while the arms extend outward and merge seamlessly into wings that curve gracefully above the form. Small feather shapes fan from the wings, giving subtle texture and visual interest.
The figure is minimal in detail, yet its human and avian elements remain instantly recognizable. Godden intentionally leaves slight lumps, bumps, and sculpting marks across the bronze, giving the piece a tactile, expressive quality. The surface is smoothed overall, enhancing the fluidity of the form, but the natural imperfections maintain a sense of energy and movement.
Colour transitions add further depth, with rich browns concentrated on the figure’s body that gradually lighten into soft whites along the wings and edges. This gentle gradation emphasizes the lifting motion of the wings and draws the eye upward.
Birdman I captures a moment of suspended grace and mythical poise. Its combination of abstraction and figurative clarity invites viewers to engage with both the human and the fantastical, highlighting Godden’s ability to balance form, texture, and emotion in a single expressive work.
