I love London. So often you stumble across something totally unexpected. Walking though Soho the other day, having been on shopping trip for…well, never mind what I had been shopping for… I turned a corner to find this statue on the Nadler Hotel.
It stopped me for several minutes and then, having torn myself away as far as Oxford Street, I walked back to take this image.
I love, it’s art deco feel, the mysterious symbolism in the garlands she carries and her beautiful curves. Yet, when I saw it, my first thought was, “Ooh, that’s kinky” and I still find it so. I can’t quite work out why. Perhaps it’s her dominant position standing over me; the ethereal wings that mark out her “otherness;” or perhaps its the combination of strength and control she seems to exude while smiling at me kindly. The way that Elita smiles at me and softly mutters “there, there” into my ear before hurting me again. Yeah, that’ll be it.
Here is Hew Locke, the sculptor, on his own work:
“I was commissioned by The Nadler Hotel to create a figurative sculpture representing Sleep. I wanted to make a classical statue with a contemporary twist, partly inspired by Art Nouveau designs of dreamy women, but with a feel of intensity and ritual. Selene is an powerful goddess reworked for today’s London – a dream-weaver and magical protector.”
“I have shown Selene floating at the center of a galaxy of stars, ceremonially offering garlands representing magical potions associated with sleep and love. Referencing Soho’s Theatreland, I have included belladonna (a plant that has been suggested as creating Juliet’s deep-sleep in Romeo and Juliet) and pansies (used as a love potion in A Midsummer Night’s Dream). Two different night-blooming flowers, both known as ‘Queen of the Night’ – one a type of cactus, the other a type of jasmine – are joined by winged masks of the Greek personification of sleep, Hypnos.”
For more kink in surprising places try this delightfully spanky marquetry from an old town hall!
As always more Sunday Sin here:
I was immediately struck by the statue as evoking something kinky…perhaps the “pins” all over her? I don’t know, but it’s a powerful image.
That’s an unusual looking statue.
I totally get why is struck you as kinky. I had the same reaction seeing your pic of the statue.
It really is a beautiful statue!
Rebel xox
Was that near to Dean Street? I want to see her in the flesh!!
Wow, this is ecstatic! I’ve never seen anything like that.
That’s a beautiful piece of art
I love the intricate details on the statue, and I definitely see it as kinky – there are *plenty* of people whose kink is goddess worship!!!
What an amazing thing! I am hardly ever in London but would love to photograph it – I just love the design 😉
Wow that is beautiful. I must also search it out, I am so often nearby. Love the words too xx
Beautiful statue and words!
Absolutely fabulous thanks for sharing a magical/kinky piece of your city.
Indie x
Great spot – I shall look out for it next time.
I remember seeing that and thinking it would make a great addition to my 365 project, but my phone was out of battery so couldn’t.
KW
I can’t believe I have never spotted this before. I must look out for it next time I am there because it is beautiful and I love the artist description of it
Mollyx
What a stunning statue! I love the words you added in too – I love the menacing feels you get!