Szenina Russo
1. Upload the three (3) inspiration images to your Blog (or link to your Photobucket account). Explain why you selected the inspiration pieces.
I choose this mask because of the interesting material used and ritual purposes. I thought that the history and tribal research was also diverse than other options. I thought that the use of shapes on the mask were different, the use of shape and line to draw your eye through the piece was successful.
I choose this second mask because of the colors used in this mask. As soon as I researched this mask I knew that I wanted to use color in the various ways this mask does. The mask uses color to direct ones eye throughout the mask and enhance other parts of the mask as well.
I choose the last mask because of the meaning, I have learned about groups of European nomadic groups that have used the concept of ancestors. I think that this was a very interesting mask to use as influence for my final because of the added element as well as the meaning. Although many masks are used for ceremonial or ritual purposes, the idea of ancestral protection for the living is a very intriguing concept. The use of shape would also reflect in my final piece, I really liked these elements.
2. Include the analysis and description (art criticism steps) of the three (3) inspiration pieces.
The first mask that caught my eye was the Teke moon shaped mask worn by the Kiduma people. This was a private society of people who used masks during rituals or social contexts. This mask was held up by the person's teeth when wearing the mask. This design includes many geometric patterns and shapes that reflect the horizontal divide down the center. This mask also uses color in the mask design to differentiate shapes and lines throughout the face. There are both cool and warm colors intertwined with each other. Although this mask has less intricate details the design is very strong, powerful and symmetrical.
The second image that I was influenced by could be an example of the Kamayura Indians who settled near the Xingu river in Brazil. There is not enough documentation or content to know for sure, but there are historians who believe this mask belongs to them. There are many natural materials needed in the replication or reconstruction of a mask like this, so conservation is key. This mask is centered around the focal point of the oval head. There is straw hanging from the head, acting as a elongated shape added to the mask. This could reflect the body, legs or other spiritual meaning of the mask. There is an element that hangs from the circular mouth with two teeth in the center. The nose begins from the forehead down to the end of the mouth of the mask. There are geometric patterns on the oval part of the mask.
The third image is called a ‘mbulu-gnulu’ which are little figures used in a tribal context of the Kota. These images are meant to be a relic of one's ancestors and protect you. The female figures are concave and the males are convex faces. These figures are found in boxes, baskets or other containers to assist the living. The Kota use these figures that are recognizable with there oval heads, long legs and repeated shapes found in these digital sculptures. The main focal point of this mask is the cross in the center of the oval head. There are added copper elements on the sides of the face to make up repeated lines moving your eye downward. The cross then leads one eye up to a larger ,smooth half moon shaped element at the top. To the sides are two horn-like, smooth shapes attached to the mask.
3. Upload images of your sketches and finished piece.
4. Explain how you used the Elements and Principles in your finished mask.
I used color, shape and line that I studied in all three examples of the masks. I used geometric shapes to make up the oval face of the mask. I really thought that the second mask that I choose has a very interesting with the elongated elements. The long skinny element that ran down the forehead to the end of the mouth was something that I wanted to incorporate in my own design. Although the ritual aspect of masks is really fascinating concept, I found the way of thinking of your ancestors to captivate my attention. With this idea, I decided to make a mask that was stable and meant to stay around and reflect elders. I added elements on the sides of my mask, as seen in my last mask example. In those masks metal such a brass, copper or sometimes gold are used, I translated this idea into my design.
Overall I wanted to lead one's eye through my price with the use of line and color intertwining. African or other Eastern cultures that used masks in their tribes successfully wove performance arts and art together. I wanted to bring this aspect of drama through the shapes, lines and color. The use of pattern repeated throughout the mask in these cultures was a recurring theme, I wanted to incorporate this as well. The mask would be tied around one's head.
5. Share your opinion of your finished mask and what you thought about creating the mask.
The final product came out well, I thought that the process brought me to a well rounded end result. The steps that were given in the assignment to get to the final result were good guidelines. I feel like the websites were a good starting point to understand what I wanted to incorporate in my design. I really tried to tie together conceptual ideas with the elements and principles of design.
The final mask is something that went through a series of changes and adjustments. There was a trial and error that occurred to make sure that mask was representative of the project. I tried to incorporate different aspects from all three masks in my own design. This subject matter was an interesting topic to take in consideration in an art related way. I really enjoyed this project because of how diverse the masks could be on the context of meaning, purpose and style.
Comments
Post a Comment