A mixed medium artist, Barbara-Anne’s work artwork is evocative and varied to say the least.
Her masks, initially inspired by the incredible steam punk themed masks she saw in Venice, she has morphed them into an apocalyptic cyborg feel.
Her work is titled: “SLAVE SPECIES - some are more equal than others”.
The work is a comment on how modern man has become a slave to the current "throwaway" way of life and how the more we are enslaved, we become, the further away we drift from our natural humanity. It is a dedication to the disenfranchised and the disempowered.
On taking a closer look, you will notice that all of the mouths of the masks have been shut or compromised in some way – this is a comment on how despite the noise on social media, that where it counts, people have lost their voice and their right to speak.
You will also notice that the vision of at least one eye has been obscured – this is a comment on how we are finding it more and more difficult to see the truth of what is happening in our world.
The base of the masks is moulded plaster of Paris. She then creates the features of the masks using found objects such as pieces of throw-away plastic, broken toys, and rubbish that she finds while out walking. After sticking everything in its place, she used a combination of spray paint, acrylic paint, and lacquer to strengthen the mask.
The underlying inspiration for Barbara-Anne’s water-colour beings are based on the ancient practice of the “death mask”, titled “Eyes Shut Against the World”. Her subtle use of colour is effective and interesting, creating an evocative effect.
Barbara-Anne has also illustrated a number of her books where her style is light and whimsical.
