Alyssa Ikefuji is a 20 year old Currumbin local, who is inspired by the beautiful natural environment she grew up in. Using locally sourced materials, Alyssa has explored environmental and social themes including Australian bushfire cycles from a wildlife perspective and feminism in the work place.
Having a passion for art during high school, she focussed on sculpture in her senior years in the Arts Excellence program at Palm Beach Currumbin State High School. During her formative years Alyssa found the methodology of weaving branches and twigs gathered from her own surrounds focussed her attention on the subject matter she is representing through the resulting form.
Alyssa is interested in exploring the interaction of aspects of the accepted, modern lifestyle with each other and within the broader environmental context. In this way Alyssa’s works aim to force the viewer into a recognition of consequences and responsibilities that may have been otherwise overlooked.
2020 SWELL ARTWORK – Natural Predator, Alyssa Ikefuji
Natural Predator is a commentary on the devastating effects that cats have on our native wildlife and a plea for pet owners to keep their cats indoors. The fragile nature of the materials draws your attention to the many dangers that cats themselves face when left to roam around unsupervised.
SWELL Kids Artist Statement – Natural Predator, Alyssa Ikefuji
It is better to keep your cats inside. When you let your pet cats run around outside they can hurt other animals like birds and lizards. Cats can also be put in danger from bad weather, cars and other animals like big dogs. This sculpture is made from sticks and branches that have been woven together.
Come and see for yourself at SWELL Sculpture Festival, Pacific Parade, Currumbin 11-20 September.