I am enamoured with the beauty and mystery of the unicorn. I must confess - it is a rapturous crush. I am carried away.
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In medieval times the unicorn was represented in apochryphal tales of the divine conception, and then in the Renaissance as an allegory of courtly love. It is believed that its wild nature only becomes submissive in the presence of a virgin, where it will nuzzle up to her and gently lay its head down in her lap - at which point it is also vulnerable to capture. Other beliefs are that the horn has healing properties, against poison and also as an aphrodisiac.
I realised this work as a sound installation for the exhibition The Ghost in the Machine situated at St Mary's Old Church, which dates back to 1563. The piece was situated in a small vestibule, which lead from an entrance to the church that was commonly known as 'The Poor Door,' and which also lead directly into the Vestry. I felt that this placement of the work resounded with my original intention.
Andrew Dickens sound engineered the piece.
