Artist Cristo Escamilla's murciélago is in mid-flight and completely weightless. Wings fully outstretched, body tucked in, it possesses the suspended quality of something caught between one moment and the next.
The wings showcase Cristo's unexpected approach. Instead of the dense, looped mesh used for bodies, the wing membrane consists of fine parallel wire strands stretched between black wire finger-bones. These strands are so thin and evenly spaced that the wings are almost transparent, allowing light to pass through.
This technique is entirely different within the same piece and is perfectly suited because bat wing membranes are essentially skin stretched over elongated finger bones. Cristo captures this biological detail using only pliers, scissors, and nail cutters.
The body, by contrast, is small and dense — dark looped wire, compact and warm, anchoring all that wingspan. The ears are precise. The feet curl under.
Seen from the front, it resembles a silhouette. When viewed from the side, the wing structure reflects light in slender parallel lines. It's remarkable how wire and patience can create something so lively.
Origin: Mexico City Dimensions: 2''Tall 12''Long 4''Wide
