Skater by Michael Marriot F.R.B.S, Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic, 135 × 140 cm, £4,500 each

Skater by Michael Marriott captures the joy, energy, and motion of ice skating in a series of abstract, brightly coloured sculptures. Standing 135 centimetres high and 140 centimetres wide, each piece brings a sense of lightness and movement, despite being crafted from glass fibre reinforced plastic. Rather than depicting skaters realistically, Marriot emphasizes playful form, using exaggerated lines and dynamic shapes to evoke rhythm, balance, and the exhilaration of gliding across ice.

From base to tip, the sculptures guide the eye with a lively flow. Curved limbs, arched torsos, and floating figures interact with one another, creating a sense of motion that seems almost kinetic. As viewers move around the work, shifting angles reveal new relationships between shapes, colours, and planes, giving each sculpture a dynamic presence. Consequently, Skaters feels alive, playful, and inviting, encouraging viewers to engage with both the forms and their own memories of motion and movement.

Moreover, Marriot’s use of glass fibre reinforced plastic enhances the sculptures’ vibrancy and durability. The material allows for bold, bright colours that pop against their surroundings, while also giving the figures a light, airy quality. The smooth surfaces reflect light differently throughout the day, creating subtle variations in tone and depth that amplify the sense of liveliness.

Ultimately, Skater exemplifies Marriot’s ability to combine abstraction with emotional resonance. Through colour, form, and playful energy, he transforms solid material into the illusion of floating motion. These sculptures celebrate human movement, joy, and the whimsical spirit of skating, transforming contemporary art into an experience that is both visual and kinetic.