Entries to Win Afghan

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Friday, March 12, 2010

Philadelphia Flower Show 2010 - Masks


African mask

Here are the masks from the flower show. They were all part of the Africa exhibit which was very popular. I doubt that much of it was really authentic- just fanciful. Not that I mind, but I wonder how careful we are going to have to become in this sort of staging. Did you hear the comments on the Olympic ice skaters' costumes who had stylized Aboriginal designs? They had changed them from the original, because the native peoples had objected, saying that the costumes were offensive. I dislike being offended as much as anyone, but I do wonder at what point things go too far when one cannot create art because it is offensive. I might point out that everyone thinks it's great when art is created that is offensive to Christians. There is almost a smug sense that we somehow deserve to be offended.

OK, I'll stop now. It's just food for thought. And I have no great commentary on the masks because I don't know a thing about them. There were at least three times this many, but I just took pics of the ones I liked best. I think the first one is funny.

African mask
African mask
African mask
African mask

Tomorrow we are going back outside!



8 comments:

Ann said...

Those are so cool. It amazes me how creative people can be.

I have to say that I get tired of all the political correctness that is expected these days so as not to offend someone. What about the people who are offended by political correctness :)

rainfield61 said...

The masks are "beautiful", but I shall not hang anyone of them on my wall.

Unknown said...

Wow! Those masks are really beautiful. It's kinda scary though if will be shown to kids...Have a great day Shark...

RNSANE said...

What work went into creating these masks! You are really seeing so much, Shark, but I do imagine you are missing the outdoors in that big city!!

Sharkbytes said...

Ann- I'm with you.

Rainfield- Yes... great to look at, not to bring home

nightblastz- actually the kids were loving them! I bet it would be different if the setting were made spooky, though

Carmen- When the outdoors is brown and gray I sure don't mind a colorful flower show!

Joanne Olivieri said...

The work and time that must have gone into creating those masks. Wow, they are amazing.

Rick (Ratty) said...

I really like these masks. I've always liked things like this. And I just want to add that people get ridiculous with being offended by things that shouldn't mean much. As long as something is not meant to be hurtful, nobody should become offended. It's just not worth it.

Sharkbytes said...

Hi Jo- I think each one was made by a different individual or group. Maggie actually knew the person who made the white one.

Ratty- I love the various interpretations. One can see faces so many places... maybe that should be my next photo "assignment"