# Artistically Winged Installations A History of Aviation by David Henderson is Soaringly Gorgeous By Meghan Young | Published 2014-03-07 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-history-of-aviation References: [contemporist](http://www.contemporist.com/2014/03/07/a-history-of-aviation-by-david-henderson/) & [davidhenderson.org](http://www.davidhenderson.org/) In spite of its name, 'A History of Aviation' is more of an art installation than a history lesson. Yet that doesn't mean it isn't inspired by history. The stunning fanlike structures that make up the installation is modelled after the 15th century fan vaulting of [Bath Abbey](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bath-body-works-almond-croissant). Created by David Henderson, the A History of Aviation installation was created using deceptively simple methods. Exchanging the skills and materials of the 15th century stonemason for contemporary backyard aircraft builder, the [winged elements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flutterbox) are carved from foam and wrapped with layers of [fiberglass and epoxy resin](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-great-tree). The artist writes, "Furthering my longstanding investigation of curved sculptural spaces and surfaces, the sculpture revests Perpendicular Gothic with its original spirit: an aspiration to defy gravity, to soar, to create a space in which the spirit can fly." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 59% | Activity: 18% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Fan Vaulting-inspired:** Opportunity for using historical architectural influences to create unique and visually stunning installations. - **Simple Material Transformation:** Potential for exploring unconventional materials and techniques to create art installations with a contemporary twist. - **Curved Sculptural Spaces:** Innovation possibilities in creating immersive and experiential art installations through curved sculptural forms. ### Where This Applies - **Art Installation:** Artists and designers can explore the use of historical influences and unconventional materials to create unique installations with cultural and aesthetic value. - **Architecture:** Architecture professionals can integrate historical architectural elements into contemporary designs, blurring the boundaries between art and function. - **Aviation:** Aviation enthusiasts can explore the intersection of art and engineering by incorporating artistic elements into aircraft design and construction. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Blooming Clustered Art Forms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/structural-botany.md) - [Floating Canopy Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/piloti-canopy.md) - [Sculptural Contemporary Chandeliers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volant.md) - [Monumental Air Installation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iwagumi-air-scape.md) - [Science-Backed Wooden Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seed-stories.md) - [Inflated Design Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-as-a-main-material.md) - [Nature-Celebrating Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nature-predates-man.md) - [Immersive Climate Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/remembering-the-future.md) - [Nature-Inspired Artful Garden Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/henderson-art-garden.md)