Talking Heads #2 Set II 2016

Aboudia's mixed media work, "Talking Heads #2 Set II", presents a compelling array of symbols, drawing us into a vibrant dialogue between cultures and histories. Dominating the composition are the African masks, powerful emblems traditionally used in ritual and ceremony, representing ancestral spirits and communal identity. The superimposition of Western imagery, like that of Abraham Lincoln with his iconic top hat, introduces a fascinating contrast. The hat, a symbol of modernity and authority in the West, undergoes a striking transformation when placed alongside the masks, evoking a sense of cultural interplay. I am reminded of similar juxtapositions in renaissance portraiture, where exotic objects appear to denote power. The scrawled lines across the surface create a primal, visceral feel, channeling subconscious energies. This echoes the expressive freedom seen in children's drawings. These marks tap into a deep well of collective memory, reminding us that cultural symbols evolve non-linearly, resurfacing and adapting across different epochs, imbuing ancient forms with contemporary relevance.