I had some fun and games during the holidays with a series done with mixed media (ink, charcoal, pastel and acrylic paint) The series of drawings was exhibited in their original state (before the mask) at my first ever solo exhibition at the Joao Ferreira gallery back in 2004. Titled: Siembamba, Let’s play pretend. Below is the original invitation:

I decided to add some masks to the original drawings, and for me in a way the added masks turned the babies into monsters!

My obsession with masks resurfaced in 2020, because suddenly masks became a necessity. I used to be fascinated by rituals during my student days and masks were important in rituals too. Traditionally masks were used during ceremonies across the globe. And now more than ever they became a part of our lives. Although I must admit that I prefer cultural masks instead of the ones currently worn by everyone. (do you also find it surreal going to the shops and seeing everyone wearing masks?)

So I have started a whole series around the idea of cultural masks – which links to my fascination with relationships, anthropology, fairy tales …. but I will tell you more once I have worked on a new artist statement…

In my next post I will continue with my fascination with masks and show and tell you more.

Until then….have a good week. xxx