After recreating microscopic versions of Van Gogh’s masterpieces in a watch, this English artist is now working on the world’s smallest zoo, inside needles
Sculptures so tiny that a match head appears huge in comparison. Pic/David A Lindon
It’s the last few days for the people of Bournemouth to feast their eyes upon what is being called the world’s smallest zoo. Well, you’ll need to grab some magnifiers first and spot the eccentric man dressed as Willy Wonka when you enter Wolverhampton’s Change Makers Hub, where artist David A Lindon has displayed his latest artwork. Renowned for his complex creations, Lindon is an expert at creating microscopic paintings and sculptures.
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His debut solo exhibition features a myriad of miniature wildlife crafted in the eye of a needle. It’s not only the animal in focus that Lindon has paid attention to; he’s also meticulously crafted their surroundings. The scarlet macaw flies above the evergreen forests of America, and the panda is seen in its natural habitat, lounging around with bamboo in hand. The tiniest sculpture at the exhibition is an emperor penguin, resting on the tip of a needle.
It is no easy feat to get these figurines just right. While one might joke that he must use human hair or a housefly’s leg to make them, Lindon has clarified that neither could get the job done. He makes his own tools (which often break only after a few hours of use or disappear) and uses a diverse set of materials, like pieces of ceramics, precious metals like gold and platinum, carpet fibers, and even gemstones like emeralds and diamonds. The process involves patience, intense concentration, and at least a month of relentless effort. The tiniest mistake can ruin everything: Lindon once inhaled his own work!
Despite the obvious challenges, the artist believes it’s all worth it. The audience’s reaction is what keeps him going. They’d first be skeptical or simply confused, only to be taken completely by surprise. While this wondrous exhibition ends this week, you may get to experience it sometime in the future, as Lindon hopes to bring it to New York and London.
One
Month is needed to make one piece
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Pic/Oddity Central
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