Nicola Anthony

The Amulets Collection

2023, Long-Sharp Gallery, USA

metal text sculptures based on beliefs and stories about luck

Brushed stainless steel suspended on invisible wire. Also available as an exclusive gold plated edition.

Each sculpture is a unique edition of 3. (Size varies by piece, from 40x 40 x 50cm to 150 x 150 x 140cm as shown here)

Seeming at first glance like a three dimensional drawing or calligraphy, these artworks are more than meets the eye; they carry narratives, messages, and good fortune etched into their very essence. They marry the strength of steel and delicate elegance, and appear to hover in mid air.

These metal text sculptures are based on beliefs about luck across multiple cultures. The artist considers these artworks as amulets (defined as an object that is believed to possess magical or protective powers).

Each text weaves together folklore, myths, proverbs and superstitions which have shaped and guided humanity over time and can give us a fascinating insight into human nature - our fears, hopes and desires. The artist has also woven in concepts from mathematics, astronomy and science that guide our contemporary worldview.

View Exhibition Catalogue below or click here.

Artwork available for purchase at Long-Sharp Gallery

Below you can read the text featured in each artwork from the Amulets Collection:

Maneki-Neko

A waving cat beckons, Maneki-Neko stands golden in the doorway and the frisson of good fortune tingles on your skin. Meanwhile A black cat passes from the right, its green eyes meet yours.

The Moon Goddess

Up in the dark sky of ancient Greece, the moon goddess looks over us. She sleeps languidly on the curve of the moon, whose gentle light brings fertility and good fortune. The delicate lunar crescent rotates to become a horseshoe. If you find one, rub it seven times while making a wish. Don’t worry if it tips upside down, the luck collected within will flow down onto your mind and heart.

Sevenfold

The earliest horseshoes held seven nails, a number as alluring to mathematicians as it is to those with superstitions. Sailing us safely through the week, you’ll find yourself in your prime when you rest on day seven. Water, fire, earth, wood, and metal combine with Yin and Yang while you circle around in sevenfold.

Omega-Om

The last letter in the Greek alphabet is shaped like a horseshoe. You feel malevolence evaporate in its presence. You hear it reverberate on the lips of yogis saluting the sun. Meanwhile, Nietzsche’s universe recurs in an infinite loop and physicists are busy measuring the density of all that exists. Whether we collapse or find our equilibrium with Ω, in the end, its cosmic significance will complete you.

Royal Jelly Reverie

Ganesha removes obstacles, imparts wisdom. Sacred eyelashes flutter kindness to all beings. The oxpecker bird lands on Airavata’s back: a companion to banish an elephant’s bother: It’s Kismet. Elephantine rustlings of flora loose a helix of pollen. In turn, the bees work a charm for trees vexed by crashing pachyderms. Those destined to become Queens sip the elixir of life.

Sun Dance

A saffron dawn anoints us. Led by Ahsonnutli, dispelling darkness, our story rises. Was it Ra or Amaterasu who started the serendipitous cycle?

As Helios approaches the horizon, blue skies scatter. Languid red wavelengths bathe us in destiny. Sol awakens us, we feel it in our bones.

Lucky Charm

Wish upon a star: Venus brings love, and what could be more charming. Love is all. Polaris guides us in the arc of life.

At the end of a rainbow we discover a gemstone glittering in the world’s hem.

Weighing the Heart

Two auspicious magpies nest, bringing blessings to those who pass. Your heart is light as a feather.

Artwork available for purchase at Long-Sharp Gallery