A sculpture influenced by the island’s avian wildlife is the latest piece of public art to go on display in the City of Hamilton.

Nature Takes Flight (The Visible Light Spectrum) by multidisciplinary mystic artist Michaela Antoinette was unveiled by Hamilton mayor Charles Gosling at a ceremony yesterday.

The sculpture was commissioned by City Hall through its Vivid Public Art Initiative, which has introduced large-scale murals and other public art projects to the capital.

The work is cast in aluminium from 3D-printed components and finished with more than 14 layers of hand-painted and sprayed acrylic pigments that shift between gold, rose gold and green depending on the angle of light. It took Ms Antoinette more than a year to make.

At the unveiling, she said: “We leave the ‘nest’ to pursue our dreams and explore the world. Nature Takes Flight symbolises taking that brave step into the unknown, discovering our way through life. The visible light spectrum celebrates the undeniable beauty of our natural surroundings.”

She said longtails and cahows were often national symbols but the work combined aspects of the island’s more than 400 bird species.

The abstract representation folds into itself, evoking the form of a blooming flower.

Ms Antoinette hailed the island’s strong commitment to conservation and natural beauty. She added: “This piece aims to capture that pride and inspire viewers to be mindful of the world around them.”

Mr Gosling praised the work for combining fine art and cutting-edge technology in a “striking geometric, origami-inspired design”.

“Michaela, your vision for this sculpture is truly inspiring. You’ve captured the spirit of Bermuda’s natural beauty and conservation ethos while pushing the boundaries of what public art can achieve.”

The sculpture will become part of the City Art Tour, which includes 21 other installations throughout Hamilton.