1.The body of grief

Modroc and acrylic

Unit 4 Art Making and Exhibiting

‘The Body of Grief ‘utilises the body language of a human skeleton to embody the natural feeling and expression of grief. Nicholls has carefully and meaningfully positioned the skeleton in a foetal position; hands curled, knees tucked to the chest and head down. Nicholls has chosen this particular position for the skeleton as it is commonly associated with vulnerability, sadness and loss of hope – all further relating to the feeling and expression of grief. The skeleton is displayed on the ground, as if the weight of grief has caused it to collapse into a natural, realistic human position of vulnerability.

Nicholls decided to use mod wrap as her main material for the creation of the body of grief as it dries to a natural bone like colour with a rough brittle texture which both correlate and illuminate the “natural” idea and concept of expression of grief. Annabelle opted for the skeleton over a “whole” body as it is a depiction of the body in its most raw and natural state, relating again, to the concept of “natural” expression and how that differentiates form artificial expression. The subject matter of a skeleton is also relative to the idea of mortality and loss which is strongly associated with grief. The ribcage of the skeleton is depicted as hollow or with a “void” of such where the heart is commonly seen, representing a sense of loss and emptiness, emotions which highlight and relate to the natural expression of grief. Nicholls was inspired by NGV sculpture artist Maya Donaldsons work, Tummy Beast and the Rotten Apple, that holds a variety of colours, textures and themes through an enticing abstract being, inspiring Nicholls to peruse sculpture to represent her own concept and ideas.

Unlike Maya Donaldson, Nicholls used Modroc to sculpt her artwork, starting with a base of paper and wire to build up the bulk of each individual bone before being plastered and painted with the soft, dark tones of water colour in each crease and meeting point of the bones, adding a realistic tone, colour variety and subtle contrast. Such process of creation added durability and helped hold the skeleton in her desired position, ultimately helping her portray her concept and ideas. The body of grief manifests a life like aura with a purely bone constructed facial expression of subtle pain and tense emotions of sorrow and grief. Nicholls created the sculpture with the intention of it embodying a unique personality to give it a sense of life and human like feel, helping the viewers relate to the piece on a personal, relatable way. The deeper tones of the water colour against the bone like colour of the sculpture create a dull palette with simple contrasts.​

Nicholls describes the upper body as the most successful aspect of the sculpture as it is technically the most durable and realistic part of the sculpture which ultimately makes it the most effective component in portraying the concept of natural expression of grief.​