Mary McCleary’s “The Falcon Cannot Hear the Falconer”: A Chronicle of Loss and Transcendence

Mary McCleary's 2008 collage, "The Falcon Cannot Hear the Falconer," is not merely a depiction of a burning house; it’s a meticulously constructed meditation on loss, faith, and the enduring struggle between opposing forces. Executed in heavy paper with an astonishing array of materials – paper, twigs, rope, and found objects – the work embodies McCleary's signature style: intensely layered, three-dimensional collages that demand close scrutiny and reward prolonged contemplation. The scene unfolds with a dramatic intensity, capturing a group of individuals confronting devastation, their forms rendered in startling realism through the incorporation of these unexpected materials. The inclusion of a fire hydrant, an incongruous element within this tableau of destruction, subtly underscores the fragility of order and control.

• Technique: McCleary’s mastery lies in her ability to transform everyday objects into potent symbols. The layering technique, achieved through painstaking application of paint, glitter, foil, wire, and other materials, creates a complex visual texture that mirrors the emotional turmoil at the heart of the piece.
• Materials: The deliberate choice of materials – from the rough textures of twigs to the reflective surfaces of foil – adds another layer of meaning, suggesting both the tangible reality of the scene and the intangible forces at play.

William Butler Yeats and the Echoes of Faith

Adding a further layer of resonance is the inclusion of the first two lines of William Butler Yeats’s poem “The Falcon Cannot Hear the Falconer,” printed at the bottom of the collage: "‘I have seen your face in the glass as you rushed from the fire.’" This literary allusion immediately elevates the work beyond a simple depiction of disaster. Yeats's poetry frequently explores themes of loss, memory, and the limitations of human perception – concepts that are powerfully represented within McCleary’s composition. The lines suggest a haunting recognition of the past, a futile attempt to grasp something irretrievable amidst the chaos of destruction.

Symbolism: Fire, Humanity, and the Divine

The central image of the burning house is undeniably symbolic, representing not just physical devastation but also the potential for spiritual ruin. The figures within the scene – a diverse group rendered with meticulous detail – embody humanity’s vulnerability in the face of overwhelming forces. McCleary's Christian faith profoundly informs her work; the use of seemingly trivial materials to express profound ideas speaks to a belief in transcendent truths accessible through unexpected channels. The juxtaposition of human figures and the raw power of the fire evokes a sense of both terror and awe, prompting questions about fate, responsibility, and the nature of good and evil.

Emotional Impact and Artistic Legacy

"The Falcon Cannot Hear the Falconer" is a powerfully evocative work that resonates with viewers on multiple levels. Its dramatic composition, intricate detail, and symbolic richness create an immersive experience, inviting contemplation on themes of loss, faith, and the human condition. Mary McCleary’s unique approach to collage – transforming mundane materials into objects of profound artistic significance – has established her as a leading figure in contemporary art. This piece exemplifies her ability to blend technical skill with deeply felt emotional expression, resulting in an artwork that is both visually arresting and intellectually stimulating. Its size of 100 x 128 cm makes it suitable for a variety of interior design settings, offering a focal point for conversation and reflection.