Masquerade

Medium Description

Acrylic on canvas

Artist Description

This piece was inspired by the historical significance of masquerades within African history and heritage. Masks are made for various purposes reflecting sociocultural values, honoring heritage and ancestors, honoring rituals, and connecting to the spiritual world. Among all of these purposes, the true essence of the African mask is that one feels like their sense of self is enveloped in the one they’re wearing, losing themselves in the spirit of what the mask resembles. With that, this mask of a woman represents beauty, tranquility and power as she emulates a strong sense of ingenuity and compelling grace. I took inspiration from the Pwo mask of the Chokwe people that honors the beauty and admiration of the female ancestor, known for having dents under the eyes to resemble tears. As it connected with my coming of age and acceptance of who I grew to be, the piece depicts a soul unwilling to conceal herself and the true beauty she has within.