Woody De Othello

Woody De Othello is a visionary artist whose work draws inspiration from the world around us, transforming everyday household items, anatomical features, and natural elements into captivating art pieces. His latest exhibition, ‘Guardian Spirit,’ marks his first solo outdoor showcase in New York City and is a collaboration with our Rock Tavern team, Public Art Fund, and Brooklyn Bridge Park. In this exhibition, Othello explores the concept of nkisi, ritual objects from Western and Central Africa that embody spiritual presences, offering a unique glimpse into the emotional connections we share with the objects and rituals in our daily lives.

Guardian Spirit features a remarkable display of oversized items, including thought in mind, a rotary telephone receiver and a comb, crafted from bronze and standing almost 7 feet tall. By exaggerating the scale of familiar objects, Othello challenges viewers' perceptions, prompting reflections on how our experiences and emotions are interwoven with the everyday items we often overlook.

The vibrant colours and patina application on these bronze pieces create a stunning visual effect, drawing attention and adding depth to the work. The artist’s original clay sculptures were digitally transformed and enlarged by our design team, allowing for a unique mould to be created for the bronze casting process.