The artwork, titled “BATON TWIRLER,” was created by Duane Hanson in 1971. It belongs to the Hyper-Realism and Photorealism art movements and is classified within the genre of sculpture. Hanson’s meticulous attention to detail and mastery of realistic representation are evident in this piece.
The artwork depicts a life-sized, highly detailed sculpture of a baton twirler dressed in a flamboyant red and white uniform. The twirler is captured in a dynamic pose, one foot raised and baton held aloft, with her face exhibiting a joyful expression. The level of realism is enhanced by the intricate textures and lifelike rendering of the materials, such as the sequined uniform, the feathers on her hat, and the texture of her skin. This striking representation blurs the line between art and reality, inviting viewers to reflect on the everyday subjects elevated through Hanson’s skillful and precise artistic approach.