FACE OFF
“Face Off” represents the first collaboration between the artists from Baltimore’s Make Studio and Providence Art Institute in Anne Arundel County.* The works proposed are the results of many workshops at Load of Fun Studios, created by approximately 15 participating artists. It is in a spirit of friendly competition that we propose “Face Off”. Starting with the idea of making collaborative faces, we had each artist choose a particular facial feature to paint. Some chose eyes others went for noses and so forth. We took a look at the human face throughout art history, with a particular emphasis on the idea that we can isolate familiar features and in doing so make them appear strange and worthy of further attention. The result is a colorful, lively and fresh approach to the timeless theme of the human face.
As a counterpoint to such egoless collaboration we also encouraged our artists to make some individual pieces on separate panels. Here we see a vision that embodies each artist’s individual style and interests. Idiosyncratic and at times both funny and disturbing each piece can be viewed as a separate work or in the true spirit of “Face Off”, part of an engaging and interactive group.
* For adult artists with disabilities, Make Studio and Providence Art Institute uniquely provide comprehensive arts programming and opportunities to fully participate in cultural activities and community life.