Oxford Swallows

The Oxford Swallows is a captivating art installation by André Stead Sculpture Institute, demonstrating a masterful fusion of contemporary design and natural inspiration. The piece captures the essence of a flock of swallows in flight, elegantly mirroring their fluid movement and unity.

This artwork's success lies in its dynamic depiction of flight. The swallows' progression of colours lends a sense of direction and movement, creating a stunningly lifelike visual experience. The interplay of differently coloured swallows results in an array of new tones, providing a rich visual depth to the piece. The plexiglass used varies in transparency, and some birds have a frosted finish, adding layers of depth to the overall composition.

The Oxford Swallows installation is meticulously crafted from 3mm laser-cut plexiglass and stainless steel, combining durability with aesthetic charm. Its colour palette mirrors its parent artwork at the Delaire Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. A circular stainless steel framework serves as the backbone of the installation, supporting modular branches that perfectly position and align each bird.

We use unique, custom-made plexiglass attachments, which are permanently bonded to the surfaces of the swallows, to bolt the birds to the supporting structure. This intricate mounting system allows each bird to maintain its intended position and alignment, contributing to the artwork's cohesive visual narrative.

The Oxford Swallows is more than just an installation; it celebrates the natural world interpreted through contemporary artistic vision, offering viewers a chance to appreciate the subtle beauty of swallows in flight.