This massive figurative installation by mixed media artist Karen Cuolito stands a staggering 30 feet high. The California-based sculptor's towering figure of a woman titled Ecstasy is made of 9 tons of salvaged steel. The sculpture depicts an emotive woman who has slung her head back in a state of euphoria. She is meant to embody passion, with her tilted head and emotional stance.
The construction of the piece is remarkably concise. The figure is tightly wound and sculpted to form the proper silhouette of the expressive female form, utilizing random bits of metal and chains to represent the firm and flowy texture of skin and hair. As abstract as its constructing components may appear, there is a defined appearance of the human shape, as well as the internal workings of the body. When looked upon closely, there is a recognizable rib cage, a central spinal chord, and even the illusion of muscles behind the skin-like surface of the embellished and looped steel.
Photo credit: Thomas Hawk
Karen Cusolito website
via [black tangled heart]