Ode to Elisabeth Frink - Man Riding Chicken

Ode to Frink was inspired by a series of chance encounters with Elisabeth Frink's sculptures across Britain after more than twenty years away from her work. Encountering a number of her sculptures within a short period prompted me to revisit her work and respond to it through painting.

As birds are a recurring subject in my work, replacing the horse with a chicken felt like a natural response. The chicken has been painted more realistically, particularly in the face, creating a contrast with the simplified treatment of the rider. I have also altered the scale to allow a full-grown man to ride the chicken.

While the painting references and acknowledges Frink’s work, Man On Horse, in Bond Street, London, it is intended as my own interpretation rather than a reproduction. The inclusion of the chicken introduces an element of humour, and I hope the work is playful while remaining respectful to the original sculpture and to Frink’s legacy.

Oil paint on canvas

Dimensions 49cm x 53cm 

Framed, wooden tray frame.