Weekly Selfie 6: Collage- Frances Martinez

 

Stagnant, Frances Martinez, 2024

I was inspired with Mutu's collages and the use of exaggeration to portray a message. I chose the stag as the animal to represent my life at this moment. The unknown, change, and spiritual awakening are a few things that the stag can represent. I cut out pictures and pieces of myself to combine with parts of the stag and vice versa. I used red watercolor ink, a posca marker, and some fineliners to create my piece. I also picked leaves from outside to add more elements to my collage. I used the materials that I had, much like Mutu. 

Wangechi Mutu Dresses Cultural Critique in Freakishly Beautiful Disguises

Quote 1: "Mutu’s work is informed by important social and cul­tural issues, but leaves the ugly truths for the surrounding discourse, even though there are hints in the works, such as stereotypical depictions of “exotic” Africans. There are layers of meaning but never heavy-handed didacti­cism. She attracts us with her exacting skill and beautiful effects, from the marbled ink that often serves as the subjects’ skin to the touches of glitter, shiny paper and baubles she attaches to the surfaces."

Response 1: I think it is Mutu's art is very brave and meaningful, especially to the African American culture. The expression and passion she has towards her art really shows, along with portraying a story within her pieces of African culture.

Quote 2:" Mutu often incorporates cliched depictions of Africans, which admittedly add visual intrigue, as a way to subvert the persistent misrepresentation of Africa."

Response 2: I think Mutu is a very intriguing artist because she was born in Kenya, then coming to America and seeing Americans point of view to the African culture is probably a lot to take in. I respect the work she makes to express herself and her culture in a beautiful and resounding way