A cage for the head, a photo from Devon, England

Photographer's Note

Three pictures today that show very special masks created for a special exhibition at The Box, the museum and art gallery in Plymouth.

"The premise of the exhibition is simple: each participating artist has created work in response to the Mayflower (400th) anniversary, utilising only tools, materials and processes that existed in 1620.

It's a concept that highlights the sophistication of historic craft practices like beadwork, joinery, metalsmithing, leatherwork and pottery."
(Notes from The Box website.)

The artist, Jeffrey Gibson - Hudson, New York.
"The masks that he created for the exhibition incorporate several materials new to his practice - porcupine quill, birch bark, river cane reed.
He has used them to make what he describes as 'cages for the head', both protective and constraining.
'They are typically omnivorous in their sources, with allusions to Native headdresses from several different nations and more.'"
(Notes at the exhibition.)

I liked this particular shot because of the shadow from above from one of the other masks.
Taken on my iPhone.
Thanks for looking.

ChrisJ, pajaran, PaulVDV, COSTANTINO, adramad, Royaldevon has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Tue (92514) 2022-04-27 6:07

Hello Jean,
An excellent and very sharp photo of this mask at the exhibition. The colours of small stones are very nice and I also like the shadows on the wall.
Lars

ChrisJ (171888) 2022-04-27 6:09

Hello Jean

What have we here? It looks African in design or like something I would envisage in a Lord of the flies movie. Good sharpness, colour and shadow play. Tfs!

holmertz (102834) 2022-04-27 6:19

Hello Jean,
These masks are all fantastic works of art, likely to be inspired by traditional, ritual masks from various parts of the world but just as certainly genuine creations by the artist's imagination and skill. They are very cleverly made and displayed to make the shadows become parts of the exhibition. I think your exposures and photo angles give full credit to the artist's intentions.
Kind regards,
Gert

Silvio1953 (221771) 2022-04-27 7:11

Ciao Jean, three beautiful photo of o靣iginal masks wonderful colors, splendid sharpness and fine details, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

lousat (139352) 2022-04-27 14:15

Hi Jean,very curious masks created for this unique exhibition in Plymouth,it's nice to see something of different, these artworks are incredible and built with a long and difficult work by this american artist,great pics very sharp and bright! Have a nice day and thanks,Luciano

PaulVDV (63010) 2022-04-27 15:35

Hello Jean,
The masks are very beautiful works of art.
In your three photos, the shadows on the wall are a wonderful element and give an extra dimension to the masks.
Good choice of the main photo where the shadow in the top left corner just looks like a threatening figure in the background.
Best regards, Paul

COSTANTINO (116644) 2022-04-27 22:27

hello my dearest friend and have a nice day
and a happy evening
original version for me this special mask
from a special exhibition too...
I red carefully your useful notes about
because the truth is that it is the
first time I see something like this
But I red carefully your useful notes
that it s a concept that highlights
the sophistication of historic
craft practices like beadworketc
welldone
regards
Costantino

jemaflor (147270) 2022-04-27 23:10

Hi Jean,
Interesting mask, original and well taken, good rendering for this close-up perfectly managed,good effect to with shadows on the wall, tfs.

pajaran (116041) 2022-04-27 23:52 [Comment]

Show Comment

mkamionka (74607) 2022-04-28 4:41

Hi Jean,
I like the collection of the masks. I would think that the masks are the matter if the past, maybe from a place like Venice where people refer to tradition to earn money from it but what a surprise people in New York make masks as well. Maybe it became trendy to cover your face because of the pandemic?
Lovely series, great reportage,
M

adramad (73030) 2022-04-30 11:35

Hi Jean.
Wow ...... three sensational compositions, I love the originality of these masks, built mostly with plant products, adorned with beads, they remind me of some seen in tribes in Africa and Oceania.
Sharpness, lighting, color, and magnificent composition; They are managed perfectly, in this beautiful image.
Nice job. I like very much.
You have a good day.
Very best regards.
Luis.

Royaldevon (85932) 2022-05-01 12:45

Hello Jean,

I would like to see these in reality, they look amazing!
You have taken excellent photographs of the masks.
I particularly like your main choice, with the interwoven threads and the eclectic patterns. I also like how the shadows become an integral part of your composition, one showing the mask, almost as a grotesque, and the other revealing the patterns!

My warm regards,
Bev :-)

Periko (9107) 2022-05-05 19:14

Hello Jean
I have seen many masks in Mexican museums, mainly made of wood, but nothing like this one. Interesting.
I like the shadow behind.

Best regards

vjmite (6628) 2022-05-08 5:01

Hi Jean,

This mask gives me a New Guinea sort of vibe. It's a bit scary, but the shadow on the wall is even scarier. Well spotted. I like the semi-precious stones on the mask, mainly malachite, azurite and the reddish mineral which is probably carnelian. Good sharpness and colour.

Vince

jmdias (115312) 2022-05-09 9:41

jean

curious artwork. this mix of straw and stones isn't usual, it is very different. remind me the African masks. excellent images.

take care

jorge