Cactus Gallery LA
CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL MASK by artist Dmitri Saari
$ 750.00
Mixed media, 13" x 18" x 14"
The flowers used on the horns were taken from vintage doilies given to me by a friend. They eyes are from a window screen. The rest of the mask is newspaper and brown shopping bags. Acrylic paint was used and a water-bath sealer to protect the paint.
It is signed on the inside and can be hung by the grosgrain ribbon.
This horned mask was inspired by the exceptional paper mache masks seen in Vejigante-inspired carnival masks of The Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
About Dimitri’s work: Whimsy is always at the heart of my mask work. Whether it's with color, shapes or patterns, my objective is to bring joy to the wearer or viewer.
Sometimes my masks border on the surreal and obscure. My masks are often fully developed "characters." And other times just a canvas for painting.
I have been interested in masks for many many years. My first formal training was in Italy in 1998. My passion for mask making has only grown since.
My masks are made using simple and inexpensive materiales. Torn newspaper strips, flour, water and a bit of sugar or salt. If I add anything to my masks it is from found materials or given to me from friends.
