Kendra Haste, a British artist known for her striking sculptures of wild animals created from galvanized wire, has captivated audiences with her latest solo exhibition, “Big Bad Wolf,” at the Iron Art Casting Museum Büdelsdorf in Germany. Haste’s sculptures, ranging from elephants to deer to boars, capture the essence and character of each creature in stunning detail.
The exhibition features eleven recent works that bridge the gap between the animal kingdom and our own world. Haste’s goal is to convey the emotional essence of each living, breathing model without slipping into sentimentality or anthropomorphism. Her sculptures transport viewers into the world of these majestic creatures, inviting them to contemplate our delicate relationship with nature.
Visitors to the Tower of London may be familiar with Haste’s permanent display of sculptures inspired by the Royal Menagerie, the city’s first zoo. These life-size animals, including an elephant from the King of France and a polar bear from Norway, pay homage to the historical collection that once resided within the Tower’s walls. Initially intended for a 10-year exhibition, Haste’s sculptures are now a permanent fixture in this iconic landmark.
In “Big Bad Wolf,” Haste delves into themes of conservation, sustainability, and rewilding, showcasing native Northern German animals such as wolves, eagles, lynx, and wild boars. Through her work, Haste explores the balance between strength and fragility, using wire to convey the tension inherent in our relationship with the natural world.
The exhibition runs through November 2 in Büdelsdorf, offering a unique opportunity to experience Haste’s mesmerizing sculptures up close. For more insight into Haste’s work, visit her Instagram profile. As you explore her creations, you’ll be transported into a world where art and nature collide, inviting contemplation and reflection on our place within the natural world.
