975. Upfest 2017 (35)

I spoke to many people after Upfest and this incredible macaw was considered to be one of the best pieces of the festival, and it is easy to se why. The composition is perfect, filling the awkward panels with consumate ease, the colours and flow of the feathers is magical, the piece is full of movement and spectacle. Taking a closer look, the work is composed of triangles that come together to create the whole. I love this kind of artistry, and the whole thing shows a creator at the top of their game.

The artist, Mehsos, is from Belgium – something special seems to be going on in Belgium, with Bisser and Dzia also producing outstanding pieces – and generally works with portraiture. It is interesting to read from the UPfest programme notes that Mehsos ‘deconstructs emotions and highlights contrasts both in terms of colour and message level’ I’m not entirely certain what this means, but I like it. One for the top ten.