Masquerade Makers with Justin Canja

The art of costume can be identified in most every societal custom and culture. Through fantastical makeup, fanciful wardrobes and unique adornments people have participated in an alternate or exaggerated self in social engagements.

Masks are an opportunity to unapologetically project an opinion, fantasy, or manifest a conceptual idea. Through the use of everyday materials like, fabric, printed materials and cardboard we can create the world we would like to escape to beyond the excel spreadsheets, deadlines and the mundane.

Materials:

- PH neutral PVA adhesive (will dry fast and will not leave a scent after it dries

- Scrap fabric that might communicate your idea. (Eg. old or stained sports jersey, that sundress that just sits in the back of the closet, or former Halloween costumes that will never see the light of day as is)

- Printed publications (Justin will be bringing plenty of magazines, books, and the like)

Artist statement:

I am an expermiental multidisciplinary artist that moved to the Midwest from the greater Washington D.C. metro area at the start of 2019.

My artworks focus on sociopolitical topics by the means of painting, collage, sculpture and installation. I describe current events and juxtapose them with points in our history with the attempt to link the physical and metaphysical through exaggerated gestural expression and the emotional connectedness through objects. Generally using ironic humor in combination with light hearted color combinations I prefer to grab the attention of the onlooker by the means of a striking first impression. I am currently the curatorial resident at InterUrban Art House where in my practice I am focusing on Neurodiversity and the human condition. Diversity is not just in how we look but also in how we feel. The world that I experience manifests themselves in my artworks.