Untitled (1998) by Michael Gillespie, Coated Steel, Unique, 30cm high, 30cm wide, 30cm deep, Abstract, Green, Other sculpture

This piece commands attention despite its compact 30 centimetre scale. Crafted from coated steel and finished in a vivid green, the sculpture rises confidently from its base. Rather than settling into a single recognizable form, it pushes viewers to navigate a cluster of upright abstract shapes. Three of these elements resemble stylized swords, long, assertive, and slightly angled as if poised for action. Meanwhile, another vertical form suggests a figure standing among them, creating a subtle yet compelling tension between object and presence.

Because the shapes stand independently yet share the same base, the work encourages the eye to move continuously from one form to the next. As you follow these transitions, the sculpture begins to feel less like a collection of objects and more like a moment frozen in motion. The green coating intensifies this impression by unifying the elements while also highlighting each silhouette against its surroundings.

Furthermore, Gillespie’s decision to keep the scale intimate invites viewers to approach closely. Up close, the coated steel reveals slight shifts in texture and contour, which pull you deeper into the interplay of balance and energy. The abstracted “swords” introduce a sense of potential action, while the figure like form offers a stabilizing counterpoint. Together, they create a dynamic rhythm, one that shifts from tension to harmony and back again.