Two abstract bronze sculptures resembling elongated figures with flat, irregular heads and thin legs stand on a grassy area. They are set against a backdrop of lush greenery and trees under a clear blue sky.

Elisabeth Frink: Mirage I and II

Art Outdoors /

Elisabeth Frink: Mirage I and II

The sculptures in the Formal Garden explore ideas of transformation, the body, mythology, and the impact of conflict and violence. Each artist explores these themes in their own way, creating unsettling and ambiguous hybrid figures.

Mirage I and II were inspired by Elisabeth Frink’s time living in southern France. She saw flamingoes and other wading birds obscured by hazy mirages. Their forms were distorted and appeared as animals, people or trees. Frink used this experience to create these ambiguous sculptures, which fittingly are installed in the Formal Garden near to the water, with the pond behind them.

Elisabeth Frink (1930-1993) and Lynn Chadwick (1914-2003) were part of a generation of British sculptors that emerged after the Second World War. Their work was often figurative and explored human strength and frailty.

Courtesy of a private collection.

  • Two tall, abstract sculptures resembling elongated leaves or figures stand on a grassy area, surrounded by lush greenery. The sculptures are made of a dark material, contrasting with the vibrant landscape and cloudy sky in the background.
  • A close-up of a textured bronze sculpture resembling a leaf or abstract form, with visible grooves and a natural patina. The background features blurred greenery, suggesting an outdoor setting. The sculpture stands prominently against the landscape.
  • Two abstract bronze sculptures resembling elongated figures with flat, irregular heads and thin legs stand on a grassy area. They are set against a backdrop of lush greenery and trees under a clear blue sky.

More from Elisabeth Frink

  1. A bronze bust of a human head displayed on a tall grey plinth outdoors with climbing plants behind it.
    Art Outdoors

    Elisabeth Frink: In Memoriam II

    Frink succeeds in capturing a sense of defiance with In Memoriam II as the features of the figure express great sadness but also a sense of dignity.
  2. Elisabeth Frink Protomartyr 1976 at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
    Art Outdoors

    Elisabeth Frink: Protomartyr

    Protomartyr represents the first Christian martyr, Saint Stephen, who provided food and aid to poor members of his community in Jerusalem.
  3. Elisabeth Frink Standing Man 1984 at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
    Art Outdoors

    Elisabeth Frink: Standing Man

  4. A close-up of a bronze statue depicting a muscular figure holding a large, curved crossbar above his head. The background features a clear blue sky and bare trees, suggesting a serene outdoor setting. The statue conveys strength and determination.
    Art Outdoors

    Elisabeth Frink: Atlas

    In Greek mythology, Atlas is a figure responsible for holding the heavens aloft. This sculpture combines several themes that Frink returned to throughout her career: strength and endurance alongside burden and vulnerability.
  5. Three nude male bronze figures with white painted faces, displayed outdoors.
    Art Outdoors

    Elisabeth Frink: Riace II, III and IV

    The Riace figures are inspired by the 5th century BCE bronze sculptures that were rediscovered in the sea off the coast of the Riace region of Italy in 1972.
  6. Elisabeth Frink First Man 1964 at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
    Art Outdoors

    Elisabeth Frink: First Man

    Elisabeth Frink was interested in human and animal forms. She used the male figure to explore the complexities of humanity, exposing both strength and vulnerability, as with First Man.