Blake
Gabi B.
Acrylic on canvas
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This portrait examines the temporary anonymity that we have while wearing a mask or disguise. Blake is a dear friend of mine and was the inspiration for this painting. I took a photo of him with clown makeup on and used that as my reference. During the pandemic, I became interested in the concept of masks and what happens with social interactions and behaviors of people while wearing masks. How a mask can actually give someone a type of escape from themselves. I have seen a painfully shy person become someone else entirely while wearing a mask. Masks have a sort of power. I also thought of Halloween and how all the mask wearing creates a whole different mood and vibe everywhere. And what happens when the mask comes off? I observed how the behavior or mood would return to how it was without the mask almost instantly. I am facinated with how humans have always had rituals that include mask wearing. This is a concept I want to continue exploring. 18” X 24” Acrylic on Canvas
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Creating art has always been about conveying concepts. The opportunity to communicate through selected mediums creates a shared experience between artist and viewer which excites me. A great deal of my work is about human behaviors, relationships with each other and mental health.
