HAND SEWN MASKS by Kathrine Page

This series was inspired by Natalie Hutchings, a multidisciplinary artist, futurist, and educator. Her room-with-a-view exhibition at The Delaware Contemporary in January 2020 explored the classic MCM (mid-century modern) diner. Using hand-fabricated iconic aluminum vintage tables and other familiar props in an all-too-perfect awkward uniformity belie something less palatable: institutionalized racism that still exists today. Hutchings’ work dares to subvert the script by inviting viewers “to question their own version of reality” or flip the script by reexamining their own role in promoting a kinder, more inclusive alternative reality. With Hutchings in mind, I created this mask with fabric right out of MCM color and design and embroidered trim roundels that echo the fabric’s pattern. The colors and the horizontality of the ribbons at the lower edge recall two key characteristics of MCM homes.

MATERIALS: 100% Cotton, polyester ribbon and notions, Pellon interfacing.

https://www.decontemporary.org/hennessy-experiment-hutchings