Image: Hiromi Suter – Longing for Peace Mask

The Mobilia Gallery, Massachusetts, has invited artists to create practical, but ornate, masks for an online exhibition, Ornamentation in the Age of Corona. All masks are for sale to raise money for the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund. Artists involved include Louise Saxton, Rebecca Hannon, Hiromi Suter and Linda Dolack.

Image: Louise Saxton – Butterfly Mask: Rebirth and Recovery

Talking about her contribution, textile artist and curator Louise Saxton said: “The embroidered motifs used for each mask were selected for their symbolic meaning: I chose dramatic vintage embroidered butterflies, gifted from a friend, for the first mask, as butterflies represent rebirth and recovery in many cultures. For the second mask I used large embroidered opium poppies, which I collected in France a decade ago. As opium is a vitally important medicinal substance (when used in the clinical care setting) it represents relief from pain and suffering. The third mask is embellished with many small, embroidered red flowers, which gather into the form of a large Red Cross. This internationally recognized symbol represents the care and protection given to millions of people throughout the world, in our everyday lives and at times of crisis such as this.”

Image: Rebecca Hannon – Icons Mask

Rebecca Hannon said: “I am currently separated from my metals working studios, so took this challenge on with the materials I had at hand. I have created abstract pages of watercolors, then stencilled on the “Icon” shapes I have been exploring in my jewellery work for a number of years. These shapes are cut-out, sealed with varnish, and stitched onto a mask in an accumulated shingle/fish scale style. I have seen accumulations of Milagros, ex-votos, reliquary symbols in my travels and readings and have loved their ability to signify and protect. So much is still unknown about our current malady, and perhaps my mask, reinforced by icons can serve as protection or a harbinger of colorful joy. And hopefully not be as foolhardy at the medieval pomander proved to be.”