Upon Weightless Wings

Upon Weightless Wings (2018) for large chamber ensemble is written in three movements, each taking inspiration from separate contemporary artworks. The first, In Sheep’s Clothing, is a slow, dark movement taking its title inspiration from the pine sculpture of the same name by Martin Puryear (1996). The second movement and, between light and darkness, is based upon the oil painting Y una entre luz y penumbra (2006) by Manuel Huertas Torrejon, in which two birds perch facing each other on a ledge, one in shadow and the other illuminated by daylight. The final movement, To Breathe Now is inspired by the installation To Breathe – A Mirror Woman (2006) by multidisciplinary artist Kimsooja, in which she transformed a palace into a glorious display of reflected rainbows. Across the three movements the piece explores themes of liberation; transitioning from darkness to light, restrain to freedom. It is a work written to celebrate new beginnings, to have weightless wings.

© Grace-Evangeline Mason, 2018