Fatal bite (2018)

Description

Fatal bite (2018) (14,5×5,3in) by the artist Christine Galvez, is a captivating metal sculpture encased in a glass dome. At its core is the intricate form of a metal snake, its body twisting gracefully upward in a spiral pattern. The curvature of the body, with evenly spaced ribs or vertebrae extending outward, mimics the skeletal structure of the creature, giving it a skeletal and minimalist feel. The dark metal material adds a sense of tension and intensity to the form, with the snake’s head at the top appearing poised and slightly aggressive, as if frozen in a striking or defensive position.

The glass dome encapsulates the coiled snake, creating a sense of containment and preservation, much like a scientific specimen. The circular black base, supporting the glass, provides a clean, minimalist frame that keeps the focus on the organic yet mechanical appearance of the serpent. The contrast between the sleek, transparent dome and the raw, metallic form of the snake accentuates the sense of life and movement captured within.

This piece evokes a balance between life and death, fragility and strength, as the metal snake—often a symbol of rebirth and transformation—appears both dynamic and trapped in time. The minimalist design heightens the drama of the coiled form, suggesting themes of preservation, control, and the delicate interplay between nature and human intervention.