Eri Iguchi - Offerings to you: Wine Stand Series

45 × 33 × 25 cm
Water-based resin, styrofoam, wood, synthetic leather

This humorous sculpture boldly combines completely different images, such as a glossy black high heel at its center, wine bottles, bird legs and feathers, and fur.

This piece is part of Ellie Iguchi's "Wine Stand Series." The series itself was inspired by Sanma Akashiya, and this particular work draws inspiration from Akashiya's early "turkey" routine. The timing of its exhibition, close to Christmas, also contributed to the artwork's concept.

At first glance, it appears to be a unique stand for wine. However, upon closer inspection, disparate materials such as the glossy surface of the high heel, bird legs and feathers, and fur coexist within a single form. By combining the luxurious feel of wine and high heels with an animalistic and slightly bizarre physicality, it presents viewers with an enjoyable sense of incongruity, making them wonder, "What exactly is this?"

Ellie Iguchi's work is characterized by not merely reproducing everyday motifs, but by combining disparate elements to create both familiarity and a sense of unease simultaneously. In this work, by fusing the feminine and sophisticated motif of a high heel with entirely different elements like a bird and wine, she creates a unique world that is sculptural yet full of humor.

Particularly interesting is how the wine bottle is incorporated not merely as a decoration, but as a central element of the work. The idea of using a high heel as a "stand" to support the wine allows different realms—sculpture and practical item, fashion and food culture, animal and human—to intersect within a single piece.

Ellie Iguchi creates sculptures that leave a vivid impression on viewers by boldly transforming familiar motifs and imbuing them with a glossy surface and humor. This work is a particularly delightful expression of these characteristics, a playful piece born from a free exchange of ideas with Sanma Akashiya.

.

Overall Theme of the Work

While Ellie Iguchi's work often has a stylish exterior, it is characterized by the hidden turmoil of human instincts and emotions beneath. She is an artist who boldly expresses internal feelings like anger and dissatisfaction, and the conflicts and tensions that arise between a polished appearance and inner instincts.