Camilla de'Errico's “Masquerade” is a distinctively exciting body of work featuring the artist’s quintessentially expressive, anime inspired gamines playfully hiding behind a series of animal and fantasy inspired disguises. The portraits featured in “Masquerade” are surrealistically rendered yet sensibly calculated to reveal the emotional complexities and idiosyncrasies of both d’Errico and the soul present in each and every one of us.
Appearing jovial and lighthearted upon first glance, d’Errico’s archetypally endearing youths may hark back to the nostalgia of our childhood and to our grand sense of imagination as minors. Yet in contrast, looking closer, the many masks and identities we must take on as adults in various aspects of our lives echoes strongly through d’Errico’s use of suggestive facial expressions and gesticulations. A predominant emotion of pensive contemplation can be noted through prolifically parted lips and reflective hand gestures capturing a brief moment of vulnerability and inquisition we so often encounter through our psychological and physiological evolutions.
“Masquerade” plays with the viewer through a paradoxical juxtaposition of reality and fantasy. By combining elements of emotion, design and pop culture, d’Errico subtly comments on the amalgamation of influences and personalities unique to each of us as individuals. Despite this masquerade, our many layers and individuality may not be sequestered entirely. D’Errico’s eponymous kaleidoscopic pools of color and drips may attest to the complexity and uniqueness that make up our person. These specific striations and patterns brilliantly capture our attention just as quickly as the visual acumen of each mask which in this case, may echo d’Errico’s own wellsprings of inspiration. Homages to anime and manga, American comics, design, mythology and folklore are readily apparent through the use of tongue-incheek titles and notable influences commonly referenced through d’Errico’s seasoned career as a fine artist. “Masquerade” plays with our personal stimuli as they shape our discrete souls. Who we wish to be may already be a part of who we are or who we will be one day.
For more information, visit havenartgallery.com
Opening reception: Saturday, October 29th, 2016 from 6 – 8pm
