Mary Mack

Comment

Comment by Jenny Fillius on July 3, 2011 at 10:10pm

Wow, thanks for that !

Comment by Resident Curator on July 3, 2011 at 3:40pm

Curator’s Comment:

 

These mixed media works appear whimsical at first encounter because of shape and color, but are ultimately more captivating in their cultural complexity.  Pieces like Liar, Liar possess a humorous edge- repeating the textual taunt with visual illustration.  But Mary Mack is more dream –like; nostalgic in the inclusion of iconographic figures of our past, but not surrendering to overly sentimental or melancholy reflections.  The main figure/focal point/protagonist remains a blackened silhouette.  Hand on her head she seems momentarily perplexed by the fantastic vision, or of her time and place.

I interpret ‘47’ as a reference to age- the suggestion of candles either personal or historic celebration. Overall, the ritablo, ex-voto format harkens to religious reliquaries, or personal altars.  The metal rivets add attractive ‘jeweled’ embellishment, but also serve as a reminder of simple attachments.