ALUTHEA-HIP HIP DECAY SCULPTURE

Aluthea is a one-of-a-kind sculptural creation by Ballarat artist Suzanne McRae, part of her evocative Hip Hip Decay series. Standing 57.5 cm tall on her base, Aluthea is a delicate fox-like figure with a sweetly quizzical expression and large pointed ears, lovingly handcrafted using a mix of calico, paint, wire, clay, and vintage textiles.

Dressed in an autumnal floral gown adorned with antique lace trim and a gentle bow beneath her chin, Aluthea carries a presence that feels both whimsical and haunting. Her appearance evokes the idea of “beautiful things now decrepit”—a creature suspended in time, wearing the faded elegance of a forgotten era. Her carefully detailed fur-lined ears and soft tail add to her eerie charm, balancing sweetness with a hint of the surreal.

Suzanne’s background as a costume designer shines through in her exquisite use of vintage fabrics and trims, each chosen for their worn beauty and history. Like all of McRae’s sculptures, Aluthea is a tangible piece of poetic nostalgia—part fairytale, part dreamscape, and entirely enchanting.