I’m not familiar with the artist, Mark Eastridge, but this is one powerful bronze sculpture.
Detail: MARK EASTRIDGE, Gas Mask
At first glance, the power of this piece—its literal depiction of a defensive response to chemical warfare—seems to be its relevance to the wars of the last century.
The greater impact comes from the artist’s use of bronze to illustrate the fragile, unpredictable life of men and women people trying to live behind a mask.
Bronze—brittle and unforgiving—is a perfect medium for this piece. At 21 inches tall, on a granite base, the total piece seems larger than life. Looking closer, the mask’s head-straps seem to be thin, way too flimsy to guarantee any substantial support. The fragile straps seem to hold the mask tentatively at best.
The piece is hitting the auction block on November 20, 2014.
The listing:
Description: Artist: Mark Eastridge, American | Title: Nonsense (Gas Mask) | Medium: Bronze Sculpture with Green Patina on Granite Base (unsigned) | Size: 24 in. (60.96 cm) tall
Artist or Maker: Mark Eastridge
Auction estimate: $7,500 – $9,500
I predict this will sell above the pre-auction estimate. And, I’ll be watching.
MARK EASTRIDGE, Gas Mask, side view