High above the Earth
Lisa Argenton
High above the Earth (detail) 2025
Stoneware
Copper wash, matte white glaze, gold paint
45 x 35 x 27 cm
About the Artwork
Perched high above the Earth, a winged chimpanzee sits in quiet contemplation, his gaze fixed gently upon the world below. He is neither judge nor saviour, but a silent observer, inviting us to pause and consider the choices we make as individuals and as a society.
One of our closest living relatives, the chimpanzee has similar traits of intelligence, curiosity, compassion, and imperfections. Given wings, this chimp is transformed into a mythical guardian, existing between the earthly and the spiritual—a being capable of seeing humanity from a broader perspective.
The rich blue surface of his skin represents wisdom, reflection, and the infinite sky, while gold highlights shimmer across his body. These flecks of gold symbolise the light that exists within all of us: moments of kindness, resilience, hope, and the beauty that can still be found in uncertain times. They remind us that every individual carries something precious, no matter how small it may seem.
About the Artist
After 30 years as a jeweller, Lisa Argenton has recently turned her practice to sculpture. While jewellery has taught Lisa attention to detail, clay offers her the freedom to create larger, expressive forms that explore story and symbolism. Her work is inspired by animals, mythology, and humanity’s relationship with the world. She creates winged creatures that blur reality and allow our imaginations to soar. Lisa also draws on African and Indigenous visual languages and has a deep reverence for nature. The disappearing natural world is central to her work, often reflecting endangered or culturally significant species. Her use of wings symbolises hope, transcendence, and spiritual connection.