Holy Masquerade (2024)

Reflecting on the majesty of Venice, this body of work comprises twenty-four drawings hung like flags in an installation arrangement. The drawings – all made using the same blue watercolour on transparent, white detail paper – are of religious, iconic and cultural subjects, including the Virgin Mary, angels, baby Jesus, gondolas, the Venetian cross, the Rialto bridge, architecture, masks and native flower the fleur de lis. The drawings are detailed, watery images; the watercolour material buckles the paper slightly, adding to the watery effect of the works. The use of blue also conjures the sacred and magical quality of the Italian city known for its unique setting on the canals, which rise and fall.

This work stemmed from a collaboration with Venetian tailor, artisan, textile designer, costume maker, and shop owner, Stefano Capon from La Galleria del Tessuto. Over the internet, we conversed about our practices and our shared love of Venice. He sent me written and photographic reflections on the beautiful city, and using these reflections as a starting point, I developed the idea to create this body of work as a visual response.