Aylin Coskun - Black Beauty
My work depicts sacred masks used in festivals. "Black Beauty" is a wood-cut print on paper inspired by a photograph taken of a model during the Carnival of Venice.
The origin of the Venetian masks dates back to the Middle Ages when people gathered and celebrated in holiday ritual between Christmas day and Ash Wednesday, dressing up with masks. Masking provided the essential anonymity to allow for the blurring of legal and moral boundaries, and over the years the ritualistic and religious origins gave way to more frivolous celebrations, eventually resulting in the banning of Venetian masks and their celebration in sacred spaces. However, the masks remain, to this day, a strong symbol and source of mystery.
To the person behind the mask:
Are you old or young?
Are you innocent or guilty?
Imagine...
The origin of the Venetian masks dates back to the Middle Ages when people gathered and celebrated in holiday ritual between Christmas day and Ash Wednesday, dressing up with masks. Masking provided the essential anonymity to allow for the blurring of legal and moral boundaries, and over the years the ritualistic and religious origins gave way to more frivolous celebrations, eventually resulting in the banning of Venetian masks and their celebration in sacred spaces. However, the masks remain, to this day, a strong symbol and source of mystery.
To the person behind the mask:
Are you old or young?
Are you innocent or guilty?
Imagine...
Instagram: @draylincoskun