Wilfred Pritchard, The Wrong Diet II, Taxidermy, Glass, Bone and Resin, Signed Unique Edition, 25 cm high, 38 cm wide, 15 cm deep

The Wrong Diet II by Wilfred Pritchard is a thought provoking and humorous sculpture that combines taxidermy, bone, and resin within a glass display case. Measuring 25 cm high, 38 cm wide, and 15 cm deep, this unique piece captures the skeleton of a vulture leaning intently over a bowl of fruit, an image both striking and ironic.

Vultures, known as nature’s scavengers, are symbols of mortality, survival, and the harsh realities of life and death. By placing this skeletal bird beside a vibrant offering of fruit, food it would never eat,  Pritchard creates a playful but unsettling commentary on the idea of mismatch, futility, and misplaced desire. The juxtaposition invites reflection not only on the natural order but also on human tendencies to chase after things that can never truly sustain us.

The delicate bones of the vulture, meticulously rendered in resin and arranged with anatomical precision, contrast sharply with the smooth curves and rich forms of the fruit. Encased in glass, the sculpture feels almost like a museum specimen, frozen in time and presented for careful contemplation. Yet the humour in the title, The Wrong Diet II, undercuts the seriousness, adding wit and accessibility to the deeper theme of mortality.

With its blend of natural history, dark comedy, and artistic imagination, Pritchard’s work challenges viewers to look twice, smile, and think harder about the fragile balance between life, death, and absurdity.