'Wings of Love'
Punki, 2014, Off Fore Street.
Reminiscent of Eros, the winged God of Love, this artwork features traditional symbols of love; hearts and wings in conventional colours representing romance or passion. However, like an ill-fitting lacy negligee, this number looks a little bit cheap. The message of love does not ring true – the concept of romance is subverted by the harsh outlines in black around the hearts, and significantly, the large, central heart is empty, suggesting a lack of love - or that Punki ran out of red spray paint after filling in the six smaller hearts. Saying that, the idea to leave the piece unfinished is inspired – like a prematurely ended relationship, the viewer is left wondering how it could have been, if only. However, the sharp and blackened tips of the wings, signalling the underlying pain of heartache, serve to remind the viewer of that all was not well in paradise. The wings remain loose and airy despite their poisoned tips, suggesting freedom, but at what price? Perhaps Punki is suggesting not that love sets you free, but that the only way to attain freedom is a freedom from love. Perhaps we are destined never to know.
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