"We all wear masks, and the time comes when we cannot remove them without removing some of our own skin."
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The quote by Andre Berthiaume resonates with artist Freya Jobbins.
She has overcome several challenging situations in her life which includes a motor vehicle accident on Barton Highway many years ago and domestic abuse.
"I suffer from PTSD. It means I suffer from a number of issues, mainly from anxiety and depression due to the accident. I mask a lot of myself now as a form of protection (a firewall) like many other people with mental health issues," she said.
Her upcoming exhibition at the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery titled 'FIREWALL (strange times)' reflects her personal experiences.
"The physical masks in my artworks is used as a metaphor. The masks are used here with this series referencing the 'FIREWALL' we can all present," she added.
"The work continues my current practice which is based on appropriation, re-assemblage, and subversion of pre-existent objects, where I explore notions of identity, motifs, and my own dissimulation.
"My last few series relate to mental health issues and domestic violence, both of which have affected me in my life along with many people around me. Using a personal firewall is something that I am aware of that I use myself."
Like her previous works, this series is based on social commentary, addressing current issues by using the mask as a metaphor addressing taboo subjects and our unspoken fears.
"Here, I use human flesh-like materials to create bizarre and strangely interesting masks which are both repulsive and magnetic to emphasize the wearer's intention that it creates a more obvious FIREWALL - which can be construed as social distancing," she said.
She completed this series in April during isolation in her studio located near Picton.
Her practice includes assemblage, installation, video, collage, and printmaking.
"This will be the first time the entire series will be seen together along with the actual assemblage masks," she said.
While she has been using masks within her practice for over three years now, it does take COVID-19 into consideration.
Freya Jobbins is currently living and working out of her studio near Picton.
She has "pleasant memories" of Goulburn Regional Art Gallery where her work has been exhibited on several occasions including the Goulburn Art Prize. One of her assemblage works is part of the gallery's collection.
"I appreciate this opportunity to introduce the Goulburn community to my art practice," she said.
'FIREWALL (strange times)' series will make the debut at the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery with a virtual open on Friday, August 21 via Instagram at 6pm. It will run until September 26 at the gallery.
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