A remarkable collection of life-sized animal sculptures crafted entirely from chicken wire is captivating visitors at a German museum, marking a significant milestone for British artist Kendra Haste. The extraordinary exhibition, titled "Big Bad Wolf," represents the first time Haste's wire mesh creations have been showcased in Germany, bringing her internationally acclaimed work to new audiences at the Iron Art Casting Museum in Büdelsdorf.
Haste, who was born and raised in London with limited exposure to nature and wildlife during her urban upbringing, has developed a unique artistic approach that transforms ordinary hexagonal mesh—commonly known as chicken wire—into breathtaking three-dimensional animal forms. Her technique involves carefully layering the metal netting to build both the physical structure and express the distinct personality of each creature she depicts.
The artist's journey into wire sculpture began during her studies at the prestigious Royal College of Arts, where she became fascinated with hexagonal mesh's linear qualities. "The material reminded me of drawing," Haste explains, "and my work explores the concept of three-dimensional drawing in space." This innovative approach has earned her recognition across multiple continents, with her sculptures previously exhibited throughout the United Kingdom, United States, and Asia before making their German debut.
"What interests me most in studying animals is learning about the essence and character of each individual," Haste shares about her artistic philosophy. "I try to capture the living, breathing model in a static 3D form and convey its emotional essence without slipping into sentimentality or anthropomorphism." This commitment to authenticity and respect for wildlife is evident throughout her body of work.
The "Big Bad Wolf" exhibition features an impressive collection of eleven animal sculptures, each inspired by the native wildlife of Northern Germany. The diverse menagerie includes wolves, a majestic stag, a graceful hind (red deer), a powerful white-tailed eagle, an elusive lynx, and formidable wild boar. These creatures, rendered in delicate wire mesh, create a striking visual impact as they appear to roam freely throughout the museum galleries.
The installation creates compelling visual dialogues by juxtaposing Haste's contemporary wire sculptures with pieces from the museum's permanent collection. Visitors encounter dramatic scenes where the wire eagle perches atop a metal structure while a small herd of deer sculptures seem to graze among the historical displays. This thoughtful curation creates an immersive experience that bridges traditional and contemporary artistic expressions.
"The Big Bad Wolf exhibition was an interesting and rewarding collaboration for me," the artist explains. "I am thrilled that my work is being exhibited at the Eisenkunstguss Museum, especially in dialogue with the remarkable collection of historically significant and beautifully crafted cast iron objects. The steel wire mesh I used stands in stark contrast to the weighty cast iron works. I hope this contrast highlights the lightness, vitality, and vibrancy of my animal sculptures."
The exhibition's title carries deeper meaning beyond its fairy tale origins. While "big bad wolf" traditionally describes threatening entities in cautionary tales, Haste uses it to challenge visitors' preconceptions about wildlife. The title is designed to raise important questions about the prejudices humans harbor toward certain animals and how these biases affect conservation efforts and coexistence with wildlife.
Wolves serve as a particularly powerful example of this phenomenon. "Are they frightening? Or are they vital to the ecosystem and natural order?" Haste asks, encouraging viewers to reconsider their assumptions. "I hope that viewers will connect with them not only visually, but also through the themes, materials, and content of the works. The anatomy, behavior, and preference of animals have long fascinated me. My goal is to capture their essence, not as idealized symbols, but as unique, sensitive beings independent of humans."
This philosophical approach reflects Haste's broader artistic mission to foster greater understanding and appreciation for wildlife. Her hope is that "Big Bad Wolf" will inspire visitors to reflect on wild animals' fundamental right to exist and challenge them to redefine their relationship with the natural world. "It's something we must do," she emphasizes. "In a time of ecological crises, mass extinctions and biodiversity decline, these questions are more urgent than ever."
The technical mastery required to create these sculptures cannot be understated. Working with chicken wire demands exceptional skill and patience, as the artist must carefully manipulate the rigid material to achieve fluid, lifelike forms. Haste's ability to convey movement, emotion, and personality through such an industrial medium demonstrates her exceptional artistic vision and technical expertise.
The Iron Art Casting Museum provides an ideal setting for this groundbreaking exhibition. Located in Büdelsdorf at Ahlmannallee 5, the museum specializes in cast iron art and metalwork, making it a perfect venue for exploring the contrast between traditional heavy casting techniques and Haste's innovative lightweight wire construction methods.
Visitors to the exhibition can experience this remarkable collection through November 2, 2025, providing ample opportunity for art enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and curious visitors to encounter these extraordinary sculptures. The extended exhibition period reflects the museum's confidence in the work's appeal and its potential to spark meaningful conversations about art, nature, and conservation.
Haste's international recognition continues to grow, with her work now spanning four continents and attracting attention from major museums and galleries worldwide. Her ability to transform humble materials into profound artistic statements speaks to both her technical skill and her deep understanding of the natural world she seeks to celebrate and protect.
The "Big Bad Wolf" exhibition represents more than just an art show; it serves as a call to action for greater environmental awareness and wildlife protection. Through her delicate yet powerful wire sculptures, Haste creates a bridge between human creativity and natural beauty, encouraging viewers to see beyond their preconceptions and develop a deeper appreciation for the wild creatures that share our planet.
