Beware the Mirror
Item
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Title
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Beware the Mirror
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Description
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This submission was inspired by the challenge started by the Getty Museum as a way for people to stay engaged during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this challenge, all the materials necessary to inspire and create art were found without having to leave the house. This piece was inspired by “Medusa,” created by Vincenzo Gemito in 1911. There are many renditions on Medusa’s life in mythology, and throughout the ages her portrayal in art has also changed. The piece itself almost gives a somber, tired, and almost lifeless tone. The original piece stirred deep emotions within and memories of the past. The gold against the silver was striking and crisp. While the original piece had considerably less snakes present in Medusa’s hair, I chose to add this headpiece to both honor the version I had read in school, as well as add more of the gold element from the original piece without painting my skin. The headpiece adorned from snakes was prefabricated from golden colored plastic. Golden eyeshadow and brown liquid eyeliner were the implements used for makeup. Honor cords framed the outline of the image and recreated the bottom of the “severed” head. I presented myself as the moments before beheading instead of after. I used a green crocheted head wrap to draw the focus to the face and away from the neck. When it was time to photograph, I laid out the backdrop on the floor. This enabled me to spread my hair out to fill some of the negative space and provide contrast to the gold of the snakes.
This was created as an assignment for Susan Ludeke's ART 1910: Art Appreciation course.
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Coverage
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Goldsboro, North Carolina
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Creator
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Plieth, Amy
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Date
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2021-02-04
