Birds Eye View Birds Eye View is part of the Structura collection, Sophie’s second solo exhibition, presented at The Art Haus Contemporary Gallery in 2024. The work is intended to be read from left to right and then viewed from a distance. At close range, the layered timber elements reference walls and framing; when viewed from afar, the composition appears flatter, evoking a bird’s-eye perspective of an architectural floor plan. The Structura series draws inspiration from architectural floor plans and the way simple lines and angles evolve into three-dimensional forms, often resulting in architectural works of significance in their own right. No two works in the Structura collection are alike. Each piece is constructed from unique materials, many of which are over 100 years old, lending a distinct history and material presence to the work. A key influence on the series is one of Sophie’s favourite artists, Piet Mondrian, whose transitional works increasingly allowed colour and form to operate independently—a principle that strongly resonates within Sophie’s practice. Careful material sourcing and a considered use of colour are central to Sophie’s work. Timber is selected to retain its original condition and natural colour palette, allowing the inherent qualities of the material to guide the final composition. Birds Eye View measures 950 mm (H) × 700 mm (W) and is constructed from reclaimed rimu weatherboards and mataī flooring.
