Masks That Tell the Truth

Masquerade: Art to Wear

ACCI — Berkeley

(Arts & Crafts Cooperative, Inc.)

Ongoing — November 8

Robin Lewis, Deep sea Enchantress

Features works from 35 artists exploring the intersection of fine art, fashion and self-expression.

From sneakers made by hand to celebrate the first African man to become a samurai in Japan to the beaded embroidered purse representing the iconic Catrina who reigns over the Day of the Dead and a bedecked set of sunglasses in an homage to Janis Joplin, these artists have embraced this theme and let their imaginations lead. The aforementioned works are not featured in this Blog. You’ll need to go to the show to see them. You’ll be in the Gourmet Ghetto, so you can have a good meal after enjoying some art.

(If your fingers are itching, knowing that you could have added something of your own to this collection if only you knew about it, well you would have known if you read our monthly ePage as the Calls 4 Artists section listed the open request for works for six months prior to the opening of this show. Want to sign up for the ePage and find other Calls 4 Artists? Refer back to our home page and scroll down to the sign up link listed under “Interested in Local Bay Area Art Happenings?”)

Onna Schwindt, Festival of Indecision

Schwindt recounts the multiple transformations of this piece. It started out as individual coat appliqués, was modified into a scarf, then a wall hanging. None of these forms truly captured its energy. Finally, it emerged as a vibrant, joyful outfit — something ready to come alive at a music festival.

The title refers to the many incarnations for the work before it discovered what it wanted to be.

It’s the spooky season and we all have our favorite masks and disguises. Indeed, we might cloak ourselves in various masks throughout the year. The polite smile when the annoying neighbor is slightly rude, once again. Looking attentive through another boring meeting. Attempting to appear unruffled while waiting in an endless line.

L2R: Ilana Halpern, Medusa; Susan Beaubrun, Beau Beard, and Ilana Halpern, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

Then there are the masks that we choose to wear that may give a hint about our true selves. I have a headband with dog ears that I wear on Halloween. I’ve had many cats, but I grew up with one special dog. The memory of her still squeezes my heart.. The headband is my nod to her. I’ve also got a sparkling red hat. I don’t really care for hats. Still, I look good in them and my mother always liked me in hats. Her spirit still visits me from time-to-time and rattles her costume-jewelry necklace that I’ve hung on my dining room doorknob. (It’s her way — when I’m procrastinating.) So, every once in a while I don that red hat.

Our clothing provides a glimpse into our psyches.

L2R: MYRRTZ, Parade Helmet; Thea H & Eva P, All you need is Glove (these gloves are made to be worn by two people joined together), and Oluwakemi Aragon, Enchanted Garden Bra

Our choices reveal ourselves: who we are or who we want to be.

Victoria Bloedau, Heifer. Not a nod to Georgia O’Keeffe. Rather an examination of early motherhood experiences and how women are compared to cattle for reasons derogatory and appreciative.

L2R: Isabella Amaya, Anaphase, and Jori Jori, Celebration Hat

Celebrate sartorial splendor and the limitless possibilities of wearable art. Maybe, just maybe, you need some original wearable and decorative pieces designed to disguise, adorn, veil or augment your body (or the body of someone you love). When was the last time you lamented your lack of tiaras, bodices, headdresses, hats, gloves, shoes, capes, glasses, vests and full costumes? Find that longed-for piece at Masquerade.

Laurie Landau, Black Plastic Dress

For more information, click here.