Midwinter Masks

Odegaard Undergraduate Library
October 28 through December 31, 2002

first floor lobby

In this season of reflection and storytelling, the Odegaard Undergraduate Library has invited benevolent trees and other creatures to shelter in its lobby. Artists Victoria Beatty and Stuart Heady write, "We called to the spirits that are vanishing from our planet. We created masks with mouths to give them voice."

Inspired by eco-theater, folk drama, and the work of radical performance groups such as The Bread and Puppet Theater, the artists created archetypal, moving objects that seem ready to speak despite being stilled, mute, in this static installation.

The masks and costumes were created for Springkeeper, a radical chamber music ensemble based in Austin, Texas, that engaged in experimental performances integrating music, spoken word, visual art and dance.