Sculpture mimics school's philosophy

Artist, Michael Speller with school students from the Mougins International School and his creative design. Copyright Ira Söhnge

Excited students swarmed around the new sculpture on Tuesday 19th June, bursting with questions for the artist of the new permanent fixture of the school. 

Its eye-catching design depicts a figure in motion centred within two bronze circles, striving to achieve life's ambitions. The artist was originally inspired by athletes and aimed to express what they have to endure. Coated in a range of random words and phrases, Speller has also echoed specific feelings and emotions drawn from his imagination at the specific moment in time that he was constructing the slick design. 

With 450 students of more than 35 nationalities, the school is an ideal site for this unique piece of art which explores the concepts of motion, hence the name 'Momentum'. Mougins school itself is also in continuous motion, constantly striving and developing, allowing its students to move forward in education and fulfil their potential.

For ten years, a prototype of Anthony Gormley's Angel of the North had been installed on the grounds of the school, but that was returned to Great Britain. Now the school has a brand new sculpture manning its grounds, reaffirming the creativity and diversity of the acclaimed educational establishment. 

Speller has not always worked as a sculptor; he first had a successful career in business and later found his artistic flare while studying at the Chelsea College of Fine Art. For the past 12 years, he has worked in his studio in London, creating a diverse and striking collection of sculptures and experimenting with materials including his favourite bronze, of which he chemically changes the surface. 

His work reveals distinct traits of enthusiasm and passion as the majority of his creations mirrors his own personal experiences and thoughts, in turn creating an exclusive perspective of the world. 

Throughout the years, his works have been showcased in a range of global exhibitions including this year's Chelsea Flower Show, Toronto's International Art Fair, the Expo Gallery Terminal 5 at London Heathrow and at the Metropolitan Pavillon in New York. 

Ira Sohänge, Katie Williams