The Essence of Life: BioMythic Masks

Peering through the darkness, they see human faces staring at them. People look closely at all the fine details adorning their features. Each of them has a distinct expression: quizzical, relaxed, letting out an endless breath. These masks far surpass the splendor of Mardi Gras masks, or those found on Cirque de Soleil acrobats. They have a realness that the "Do Not Touch" sign cannot prevent you from feeling because they encompass the essence of an entire landscape, emanating the lore of cultures and biological cycles existing in that habitat.

Gwynn Popovac spent up to three years creating these masks. In what must have been a sacred act, she spent meticulous hours adding braided threads, stones, shells, gems, beads, and woven grasses to plaster molds. Even the inside of the masks are finely finished with satin fabrics. Made to be worn, it must be a breathtaking experience to place the mask upon your face and turn into a "BioMythical" creature connecting man and nature.

The artwork is currently on exhibit at the Desert Botanical Garden and will only be there until January 2, 2011. If you're in the Phoenix area for the next few days it is definitely worth experiencing.