Randy Cooper, “Melanie”, Figural Wire Mesh Shadow Sculpture on Wood Base, 1998

An entrancing 1998 “Melanie” wire mesh screen figural shadow sculpture on black wood base by American artist Randy Cooper.

Extremely well-executed nearly life-size feminine form is hand-shaped from a single piece of fine-gauge Czechoslovakian wire mesh screen with powder coated satin black finish.

The graceful neck and shoulders, outstretched partial left arm, shoulder blades and backbone details, and callipygous backside all combine to present an exquisite concave facsimile of the female form that magically morphs as one moves around it or it’s rotated on its slender stem.

With a strong single point of light directed at it against a wall, the astonishing cast shadow aspect of the piece comes into full effect, revealing subtleties in the artist’s work not apparent in the sculpture itself.

Mounted on a H 2 in. x W 9.5 in. x D 9.5 in. satin black lacquered angled wood base.

Signed in cursive wire on lower right leg, and titled and dated in cursive wire on lower left leg.

Dimensions overall;
Height: 73.13 in
Width: 15.5 in
Depth: 13 in
Sculpture is H 34.25 in. x W 15.5 in. x D 13 in.

Condition: Good
Wear consistent with age and use. Sculpture with a barely noticeable spot of minor irregularity affecting one square of mesh near left shoulder blade. Base with a bit of light wear/marks, some tiny nicks on an edge or two, and a couple bottom corners with dings that blunt sharpness.