Untitled (Human Skin Essence on Forest Floor) 

Paul Tuppeny 2020

Plywood, wax, found material

130cmH x 30cmW x 30cmD

The theme of the forest floor has developed as a motif for the natural processes which underpin our existence made manifest in a rich ‘humus’ of age phenomena. This is, after all, the plane upon which all life begins and falls.

Upon the forest floor balances an inverted egg head-shape that has the colour and texture of human skin, complete with hairs. Life is affirmed by the uncanny balance of the egg and, whilst the leaf-litter forest floor component of the work carries within it the inherent threat of decay, the overall composition recalls that of a bird’s nest and reminds us that this is also a place of nurture.