The August Snakes Stand Erect (As That Is How Their Beards May Best Be Admired)

Images(8)

The August Snakes Stand Erect (As That Is How Their Beards May Best Be Admired)

Artist Charles Avery (Oban, Scotland, born 1973)

Date2007

MediumJesomonite, oil paint, glass eyes and human hair on plinth with brass plaque.

ClassificationsSculptures

DimensionsSnake A (the tallest) - 67 cm (H) x 117 cm (W)
Snake C (the smallest) - 31.5 cm (H) x 148 cm (W)

AcquisitionPurchased in 2008 with assistance from the National Collecting Scheme for Scotland and the National Fund for Acquisitions.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG014492

Keywords

About MeIn 2007 Charles Avery was one of the six artists selected to represent Scotland at the Venice Biennale, where another version of this work was shown. Although Avery cites his Scottish upbringing as the most important influence on his work, he is also inspired by the writings of William Blake, P.G. Woodehouse, Jorge Luis Borges, Joseph Beuys and Joseph Kosuth.

Avery grew up in the Inner Hebrides and its landscape and myths have also had a profound effect on his work, as with his epic Islanders project, in which over a ten year period he has described the topology and cosmology of an imaginary island inspired by his childhood. His art is characterised by formal beauty, humour and a spirit of philosophical enquiry.

More About Me

Collections Wall

Check me out I’ve a beard to be proud. I’m a snake that stands out in a crowd.

Exhibitions

Sculpture Court