Mask c. 1940s

This mask, made by Wee artists, stands at almost two feet tall, a powerful presence. I love the way the materials speak to a process that is both deliberate and intuitive. You can see the hand of the artist in every detail. The texture is incredible, isn't it? The rough, dark wood contrasts with the softer, organic materials like hair and fiber. The color palette is earthy and muted, which gives the mask a sense of age and history. The "moustache" looks like several short knotted sausages – how did they do that? This area really draws me in. It's kind of grotesque, but also strangely beautiful, a quality often found in Francis Bacon's paintings. The mask feels like a conversation between different materials and textures. The Wee artist embraces ambiguity, allowing the mask to be both frightening and intriguing, a reminder that art isn't about easy answers.