JILL MIRZA
‘Strange Puppets with Beads’
18 x 24 in / 45.7 x 61 cm Acrylic on Canvas 2017
The inspiration for this painting came from images found in a book called ’Maske’
by Phyllis Galembo. Based on photographs of costumes made in Africa. I created small
dolls which reflected the rather disturbing but hugely original costumes created for
masking festivals. The dolls contrast with the inscrutability of Far Eastern dolls which are
also part of the Still Life. The gaiety of the patterns and frivolity of the other objects in the
picture contrast with the oddness of the dolls. It is meant to be an image indulging in the
richness of pattern and fabrics, but also to point to the idea that objects can be very
powerful.
by Phyllis Galembo. Based on photographs of costumes made in Africa. I created small
dolls which reflected the rather disturbing but hugely original costumes created for
masking festivals. The dolls contrast with the inscrutability of Far Eastern dolls which are
also part of the Still Life. The gaiety of the patterns and frivolity of the other objects in the
picture contrast with the oddness of the dolls. It is meant to be an image indulging in the
richness of pattern and fabrics, but also to point to the idea that objects can be very
powerful.
