Patrick Mehaffy, Terra Nova
On view in the Amphitheater
Patrick Mehaffy
born 1951 Beaumont, Texas; lives Santa Fe, New Mexico
Terra Nova
1994
bronze (white bronze patina)
Albuquerque Museum, gift of Cantor Fitzgerald Foundation
PC1994.7.1
Terra Nova depicts a female form missing a head and arms, reminiscent of many Classical Greek and Roman sculptures that are missing appendages. The legs of the figure seem to merge into one at the base anchoring the work. While it appears that the body is clothed, the garment does little to conceal the figure. Patrick Mehaffey demonstrates his skill in creating texture as evidenced in the folds of the covering. He also raises questions about the female form and how women have historically been portrayed in sculpture.