Marguerita Hagan

Philadelphia — nearest ocean:  Northern Atlantic
Older Adult (50 and over)

About the art

The Beautiful Woman Has Comes (Nefertiti), 2020, hand-built ceramic, 24K gold leaf, 15” x 9.5” x 10”

Once a year in late July, early August, when brain corals in tropical waters sense a specific spectrum of light produced by the rays of the full moon, an extraordinary event commences. For this annual phenomenon, brain corals spawn future generations. The female brain coral releases gametes or eggs first and 15-20 minutes later males release sperm that are fertilized in a process called broadcast fertilization.

Celebrating the mass synchronization in divine royalty, this abstract sculpture is adorned in opulent pearl (egg) laden appendages forming her crown. The outstretched amethyst finger-like fringe of the sculpture plays on the brain coral’s tentacles which rise from their labyrinth surface at night. With a profile likening the famous bust of the Egyptian Pharaoh, who ruled the most successful time in Egypt’s history, her name and intent align. The beautiful woman has indeed come, abundant and life-giving broadcasting a critical and timely intention for our oceans and planet.

This piece was made for Rising Tides: Contemporary Art & the Ecology of Water, a female group exhibit of at the Michener Art Museum and is now part of the permanent collection. The exhibit celebrated the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and 100 years of Women’s Right to Vote which finally includes all women.

About the artist

Marguerita Hagan is a ceramic sculptor based in Philadelphia. She is an advocate for the thriving of all life in mutually sustainable communities and environments. The concept of interdependence plays throughout her sculpture, teaching and community arts.

Throughout her career, Hagan has brought to light the beauty and engineering of our planet’s diverse ecosystems and our powerful role as stewards. At this climacteric time of change, her work focuses on the largest and essential element on earth, the ocean from its micro to macro scale. The intricate ceramic forms shine light on the wonder and respect for the fragile, diverse life of the sea with which our lives are intrinsically linked. Hagan’s practice is an ongoing discovery, magnifying our awareness, reciprocal responsibility and protection of each other and our planet.

She received her MFA from Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and her BFA in Ceramics at James Madison University. Her projects include collaborations with artists, scientists and community, environmental art-science residencies, lectures and exhibits nationally and internationally.

http://margueritahagan.com
https://www.instagram.com/marguerita