Staff Report
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Elverhøj Museum of History & Art has curated a timely virtual exhibition exploring the face mask as an art form. This dynamic online show can be viewed at www.artoffacemasks.com.
The exhibition reunites a group of artists that participated in “The Art of Dress” at Elverhoj in 2019. Now these artists tackle the role of the face mask as a form of individual expression as well as self-preservation. A variety of styles, a range of techniques, and conceptual thinking are employed in these one-of-a-kind works.
Coduti Carol Coduti, Shipwrecked – mixed media
When we look back on the pandemic of 2020, these rectangles that hide the mouth and nose will be what we see. This exhibit places itself at the intersection of art and history as the face mask becomes the world’s most important fashion accessory and museums start collecting symbolic items from the COVID-19 contagion.
But the face mask is also a signal of caring and a gesture of community. “I am deeply moved by the energy of so many in response to this basic safety need,” participating artist Georganne Alex said. “Artists and designers can be relied upon to demonstrate that there is always a way to creatively respond to whatever challenges the world presents.”
Museum Assistant Director and exhibition curator Jody Williams states, “In a world where we now recognize people by their face mask, I hope this exhibit brings a smile to our hidden lips and extra thought to the message we convey through our masks.”
Featured artists are Georganne Alex, Carole Coduti, Jess Conti, Colleen M. Kelly, Isabella Kelly-Ramirez, RT Livingston, Margaret Matson, Syd McCutcheon, Susan Owens, Tara Patrick, Linda Pearl, Gwen Samuels, Laura Wilkinson and Sara Woodburn.
Artist interviews via Instagram Live and virtual workshops will be announced soon on the exhibit website (www.artoffacemasks.com), museum website (www.elverhoj.org) and social media.
Follow Elverhoj on Facebook and Instagram (@elverhojmuseum) to stay up-to-date on events and for “behind-the-scenes” clips from the show.
Elverhøj Museum of History & Art is located at 1624 Elverhoy Way in Solvang, CA. The museum is currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For inquiries contact info@elverhoj.org or call 805-686-1211.
