David Breuer-Weil’s monumental head is an island of humanity – both simple in form and complex in psychological ramifications, as is typical of Breuer-Weil’s distinctive and often intensely cerebral imagery, characteristically brought to life by dynamic surfaces. The artist’s fingerprints are enlarged to massive proportions on the surface, enhancing the strong emotive appeal of this work. These imprints imply that a higher power has constructed and placed this unearthly figure in this suffocated position.

Visitor I relates closely to the Philosopher paintings which show a large head creating immense reverberations in the soil surrounding it. Of these works, Breuer-Weil has stated that he wanted to express ‘the immense potential power of thought’. Discussing Visitor, Breuer-Weil stated: ‘By slightly submerging the image I wanted to suggest our connection with the earth. When installed in water, I wanted to give the impression of a figure with far greater potential than what you actually see, and I believe the reflections accentuate that effect. This work is a visual embodiment of thought. Every human being is largely hidden and secret.’

Breuer-Weil grew up in North London and lives near Hampstead Heath. ‘I was born in Hampstead and, throughout my life, Hampstead has been central to my artistic vision. The image of the fallen giant has a prehistoric feel, and I always imagined the Heath, one of the highest points of London, as a place of great mystical power.’

Date: July 2012 – November 2012

Location: Golders Hill Park, London