INSPIRED BY THE V&A
My entry to the Inspired by V&A at Morley College
Inspiration: Virgin of Sorrow by José de Mora.
I’ve admired this sculpture by José de Mora for many years. I love the way it manages to express such powerful emotion through her delicate facial expression alone. I could relate to this as I was experiencing strong emotions at the time and it was easy to identify with her sorrow.
I wanted to recreate the Virgin of Sorrow, but for a modern age. She is made of a neutral grey clay that represents woman of all ethnicities, her blue denim veil shows respect of tradition, but also a willingness to modernise. The blue is also a strong expression of hope.
I wanted my Virgin to be less of a victim and more someone who is willing to speak up against injustice. It’s a stronger reflection of the current moods of #metoo and #timesup. Her eyes are closed as if in contemplation showing a matching gentleness.
