Valerie Hegarty’s work involves copying and then modifying iconic paintings to make them look as if they have been pecked by birds, charred by fire, or smashed by waves.
Hegarty has reconstructed the works of artists including Frederick Church and Thomas Moran, using materials such as foam-core, paper, and wood. The pieces are then intentionally burned, ripped, cracked, shot at or otherwise destroyed, leaving them looking battered almost beyond recognition.
Her recent sculptures have taken her original concept a step further, with decomposition of the pieces reaching such an extent that they actually began to regenerate.
It’s easy to see how some people would find her ravaged looking sculptures unappealing, yet others find her decayed artworks fascinating and beautiful.
Intentionally Decayed Art
Mutilated Masterpieces by Valerie Hegarty
Trend Themes
1. Decay in Art - Opportunities for artists to create intentional degradation in their work for a unique appeal
2. Reconstructive Art - Innovation in reconstructing iconic art pieces using unconventional materials
3. Sculptural Regeneration - Exploration of morphing sculptures to depict regeneration
Industry Implications
1. Art - The art industry can capitalize on this trend by offering a new type of art for collectors and investors
2. Design - Interior design companies can incorporate decayed art into spaces for an unconventional aesthetic appeal
3. Architecture - Architectural firms can explore the use of decayed art in the design of their buildings to create a unique and edgy impression