AJ FOSIK

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• AJ Fosik is a contemporary artist based in Portland, Oregon

• Inspirations: folk art, taxidermy, cultural rituals

• Subject matter: anthropomorphized (?) animals and hybrids

• Uses 100% locally and sustainably sourced wood from Oregon

• Masks and free-standing sculptures are all hand cut, built, and painted.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

“Once the basic forms are complete, he adds threatening teeth, claws, and eyes to give the objects an intimidating presence. Totems and fetishes, as well as the ‘random, chaotic and arbitrary nature of existence,’ fascinate Fosik.”

Dominant Art Elements:• Balance (Symmetry, Radial

Symmetry)• Color• Form• Shape

How does the artist create three-dimensionality?

LIKE LAYERED PAPER

MASKSWhat are they?

What purpose do they serve?

-social -religious -fertility -hunting

Where do they come from?

What are some materials they might be made from?

YOUR PROJECT• Using cardboard and paint, create a mask using

layering in the way that Fosik does

• Your mask must reference, or be inspired by, one specific country or region.

• Think about BIG elements as well as small.

• Some countries are known for producing masks. You do NOT have to choose one of these countries.

• But IF you do, here are some examples of cultures that use masks• Ancient Greece• Egyptian• Tibetan• Incan• African• And on and on…

REFERENCES

http://www.kmop.gr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&lang=en

https://artsy.net/artwork/aj-fosik-aint-no-grave