"Constructed from an expanse of bird netting with ostrich feathers twisted into it with copper wire, Icarus is part flight suit part cloak.  The impetus for the work comes from the combination of two thoughts. The cautionary tale of the dangers of over reaching ourselves and flying too high, disregarding the consequences of our actions sits beside the metaphor of the ostrich burying it’s head in the sand." - Susie MacMurray

Susie MacMurray has reconceived the mythology of Icarus creating a remarkable reminder of mankind’s occasional flippant approach to safeguarding nature.  MacMurray is fascinated by dichotomies as a mode of inspiring awareness seen in her fragile yet voluminous piece.  Underneath the grand wings of Icarus thousands of exposed wire tips are revealed protruding from underneath like menacing talons.  MacMurray sees this contrast in texture as a visual guide to deterring human arrogance and connecting how a seemingly powerful creature isn’t immune from a deadly situation.  Her use of plumages, particularly from the ostrich, was a conscious choice since they seasonally molt feathers which are then gathered without harm, and with this coupled with a flight harness constructed round a vintage aircraft buckle, MacMurray connects us to the cautionary tale and the contemporary environmental challenges we face by bringing together familiar materials in an unfamiliar way.