Anthony Abrahams

Description

Two walking figures, striding in opposite directions, bent on their own course, are interrupted by a cat, jumping to catch attention, possibly to trip one of them. This interjection sets up a narrative. The volume of the cat is also a formal device, its line echoing that of the figures within the composition.

Anthony Abrahams depicts women as fertile goddesses. Their vast thighs, bulging stomachs and buttocks are redolent of primitive and classical figurines. Their small breasts seem virginal in comparison. This heaviness of form is countered by their apparent fleetness of foot, as their legs, not burdened by the weight of feet, appear to have only incidental contact with the ground. Volumes and textured surfaces work in harmony, as Abrahams allows the qualities of the materials he uses to make the models for casting, whether clay or plaster, to appear as they were moulded, scraped or smoothed.

The incident of the cat is made into a playful intrusion, but possibly only at first glance. Not only is a paw reaching down to attract attention, the creature has a ribbon round its neck, picked out in cats-eye green. Green is symbolic of different things in different cultures, but is generally a positive, fertile colour. It is feminine, as opposed to red, the colour of the male. The symbolism of the cat varies widely from bringer of good luck to beast of evil omen, found simply in terms of the gentle and sinister aspects of the creature's appearance. Cats are also symbols for natural strength and agility ? as possibly are these walking women.

'For who could see the passage of a goddess unless she wished his mortal eyes aware?'

Homer in the Odyssey