Fly away
2020
Medium
colour digital video, sound
Measurements
32 min 27 sec
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased with funds donated by July Cao, 2023
© Derek Fordjour, Nick Lehane and Petzel Gallery, New York, All Rights Reserved
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
Ranging from painting and sculpture to installation and performance, Derek Fordjour’s exuberant and multi-layered works feature athletes, performers and other archetypes central to cultural rituals and communal rites of passage.
Inspired by the Bunraku style of Japanese Puppet Theatre, Fly away originated as a live puppet show co-created by Fordjour and award-winning puppeteer Nick Lehane. Depicting a fable-like narrative of a man’s quest for mastery, it follows a cycle of wins and losses as the central character attempts a series of skills such as football, horseriding and music. With a visible team of puppeteers included in the frame, the work raises questions around autonomy, control and dependence.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
New York, New York, United States
Edition
ed. 5/5
Inscription
engraved on USB c.r.{fly / AWAY}
engraved in lid of accompany box {fly / AWAY}
Accession Number
2023.592
Department
Contemporary Art