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Lee WellsLee Wells 'Common Goggly Eyed Turn (The Majestic Arrival)'2024
2024
$6,500
£4,934.69
€5,644.23
CA$9,081.44
A$10,100.55
CHF 5,274.19
MX$122,912.91
NOK 67,359.47
SEK 63,171.30
DKK 42,125.06
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About the Item
Common Goggly Eyed Tern (The Majestic Arrival)
2024
Oil and synthetic polymer on canvas with plastic Goggly eye
70 x 90 cm / 27.5 x 35.5 inches in artist frame
Signed, dated and annotated on verso
Caption: The Majestic Arrival: The Common Goggly Eyed Tern, a rare and revered bird from the land of
the Gods, graces the skies of Mykonos once again. Its arrival is a symbol of fortune and renewal,
celebrated by the island's inhabitants as a mystical event that bridges the realms of legend and reality.
Myth of the Common Googly Eyed Tern
The Majestic Arrival
In the mythical land of the New Gods, the Common Googly Eyed Tern holds a place of great reverence and wonder. According to ancient legend, this rare bird is not just a creature of nature but a celestial being sent to bridge the realms of legend and reality. Its presence is celebrated as a symbol of fortune and renewal, a mystical event that brings joy and hope to all who witness it.
Origins and Symbolism
The Common Googly Eyed Tern is said to have originated from the sacred waters of the mythical river Okeanos, a source of life and magic which all life comes from. As it migrates across the skies, the Tern is believed to carry with it the blessings of the gods, its flight a divine ritual that renews the land and its inhabitants. The googly eye, a whimsical yet profound and otherworldly feature, symbolizes the bird's all-seeing wisdom and playful spirit, a reminder of the balance between seriousness and joy in life.
Arrival in Mykonos
Every year, as the red dust from the Sierra Desert sweeps across the Mediterranean, the skies of Mykonos and Delos become the stage for its grand arrival. The island's inhabitants eagerly await this moment, knowing that the Tern's return signifies a time of prosperity and rejuvenation. The sight of the Tern gliding gracefully against the vibrant orange sky is a powerful omen, heralding a season of good fortune and renewed vitality.
Cultural Significance
In Mykonos, the arrival of the Common Googly Eyed Tern is more than a natural event; it is a cultural celebration. Festivals and rituals are held in its honor, with music, dance, and offerings made to welcome the bird and seek its blessings. The Tern's presence is seen as a divine endorsement of the island's harmony with nature, reinforcing the interconnectedness of all life.
Modern Interpretations
In contemporary times, the legend of the Common Googly Eyed Tern has taken on new layers of meaning. The googly eye, a playful addition to the bird's depiction, serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of tourism and plastic pollution on our environment. It symbolizes the intrusion of man-made materials into natural ecosystems and the need for greater conservation efforts. This modern twist on the ancient myth connects the Tern to current environmental challenges, making it a powerful symbol of both hope and caution.
Legacy and Conservation
The Common Googly Eyed Tern stands as a testament to the enduring power of myths and their ability to adapt to changing times. It inspires a deeper appreciation for nature and a commitment to protecting the delicate balance of our ecosystems. By celebrating the Tern, we honor not only the natural history of Mykonos but also the urgent need for environmental stewardship in the 21st century.
To learn more about the birds of Mykonos and to support bird conservation in Greece please visit
The Hellenic Ornithological Society (HOS) is a non-governmental conservation organization focusing on the study and protection of wild birds and their habitats, as integral elements of Greek Nature. Since 1982 they have worked to safeguard a sustainable environment where birds and people may live in harmony.
Lee Wells (b.1971) is a conceptual artist whose practice ranges from painting, drawing and photography, to video and new media. His work focuses on systems of power and control in society and has been presented internationally for over 25 years. Currently he is investigating the influences of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, on contemporary life. Wells asks the viewer to reevaluate their perceptions of reality and personal identity. His work has been featured in exhibitions at the 51st Venice Biennale, Guggenheim Museum, PS1/MoMA, Coachella Music Festival, Mykonos Biennale, The State Hermitage Museum, in addition to universities, art fairs, and galleries. Wells was a co-founder of The Perpetual Art Machine, the video art community portal project (2006-2011), curator at large for Scope Art Fair (2005-2012)
Wells is based between New York and Athens Greece.
About the Series
Wells' work invokes liminal situations – dream, illusion, simulation - that test the boundaries of human perception and deepens reality’s foundations. 'Waiting for the Big One' propels visitors into an immersive narrative where the whimsical meets the obscure. The artworks are ultra contemporary representations of twenty-first century deities hosting lavish pool parties. Characters such as 'Ruby Ray,' 'Striped Sebastian,' 'Azure Alana,' and 'Goldie Grace' are captured in moments of defiance against destiny, their laughter and leisure casting a stark contrast to the looming end. These artworks, bridging new forms of painting and photography, encapsulate the ephemeral beauty of existence, urging viewers to revel in the moment.
Since the early 1990's Wells has stood at the frontier of digital and traditional art, and most recently he is integrating artificial intelligence with classical painting techniques, photography, and video to create a new visual language. His work prompts us to rethink art, reality, and human creativity's potential amidst the technological progression of AI technology.
More works available by Lee Wells at IFAC Arts.
Follow us on 1stdibs @IFACarts
- Creator:Lee Wells (August 25, 1971, American)
- Creation Year:2024
- Dimensions:Height: 27.56 in (70 cm)Width: 35.44 in (90 cm)
- More Editions & Sizes:30 x 30 cmPrice: $1,20060 x 60 cm Price: $2,600100 x 100 cmPrice: $4,800150 x 150 cmPrice: $9,000
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: Waiting for the Big One #leewells @ifacarts1stDibs: LU32614548502
Lee Wells
Lee Wells (b.1971) is a conceptual artist whose practice, rooted in the act of painting, draws inspiration from the epic myth of the avant-garde, the enthusiasm of the New York School, the praxis of the Situationists, the process of Fluxus, and the contradictions of Postmodernism. Wells enjoys making things, collaborating with others, and learning something new as often as possible. Most recently he has been experimenting with new technologies to expand on the new frontier of Human / AI collaboration in the arts. Historically his work has focused on systems of power and control in society and has been presented in various forms internationally for over 30 years, including the Guggenheim Museum, MCA Chicago, PS1/MoMA, 51st Venice Biennale, The National Arts Club, and Hermitage Museum, as well as numerous universities, festivals, art fairs, and galleries. Wells was a co-founder of The Perpetual Art Machine, the video art community portal project (2006-2011) and has directed the alternative curatorial platform IFAC Arts since 1996 which is currently based in New York’s Lower East Side and Athens, Greece.
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