Nefertiti

The famous bust of Queen Nefertiti (the Great Royal Wife of Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten), found in the Egyptian Museum in Berlin was the inspiration for this sculpture. Of course, the differences are pretty stark, and the implications are far different for both sculptures. Where the ancient bust seeks to capture and defy Nefertiti, the 25-foot high, reflective, modern steel sculpture uses the familiar form that focuses on the concept of immortality.

While the posture and iconic headdress are obviously intact from the original Nefertiti sculpture, the scope and the contemporary features of the large-scale steel treatment take its visual styling from hood ornament design from vintage automobiles of the 20’s and 30’s. The large oculus that completely obscures any facial features, allows the viewer from both the front and back to contemplate its meaning.

“Nefertiti” is a blend of styles that include antiquities, 20th century hood ornaments and and an alien-like mirror finish.

“The Nefertiti bust has always captivated me. I think part of it is the modern appeal of the design, which defies the age in which it was created. There’s a simplicity and elegance to the visual treatment - the long neck and the angle of the face and how the headdress extends backward. It almost seems like an extension of the head, which is why I merged those elements in this treatment. The mirrored finish and the oculus present a definitively contemporary translation of an ancient masterpiece.”

– Ken Womack