This sculpture, where the winged "Winged Victory of Samothrace"—the goddess of victory—is fused with the heel of a high-gloss, deep blue high-heeled shoe, is a symbolic work from Ellie Iguchi's signature "High Heels" series. The word "nike" is repeatedly carved into the wooden box acting as the base, quietly recalling that the name, now widely known as a sports brand, originally derives from Nike, the Greek goddess of victory.
Silver glitter sparkles inside the high heel, adding a flamboyant touch as if to celebrate each step the wearer takes. Meanwhile, the statue of Nike, integrated with the heel, stands as if having lost her freedom, despite possessing wings that would normally allow her to soar through the sky. By incorporating the goddess, a symbol of victory, into the high heel, a symbol of beauty, conflicting concepts such as "victory" and "sacrifice," and "freedom" and "restraint" coexist within a single form, posing a quiet question about the values of beauty and women's self-expression in modern society.
The deep blue that envelops this work, unlike the red symbolizing passion, is a color that evokes reason, intellect, spirituality, and the boundless sky and sea. This color, reminiscent of the sublimity of ancient Greek sculpture, emphasizes the inherent sacredness of the goddess Nike, while its contrast with the smooth, industrial-product-like sheen of the high heel creates a unique worldview where myth and modern consumer society intersect.
The contrast between the texture of the glossy artificial material and the delicate folds of the drapery carved into the Nike statue vividly highlights the duality of "dressing up" that Ellie Iguchi has consistently explored. Adorning oneself beautifully is an act that enhances one's potential, but it is also an invisible constraint that seeks to fulfill societal ideals. By merging a mythical symbol with an everyday fashion item, this work, with humor and intellect, asks us what the essence of victory and beauty truly is.
