2024

Willow flowers, luffa, sea sponge

Reimagined through organic materials, medieval punishment masks, such as the Scold’s Bridle, become a lens to explore themes of migration, identity, and resilience. Historically, these masks were instruments of public shaming and control, designed to silence those who defied social norms. In this work, the symbols of oppression are transformed into delicate, nature-inspired crowns, representing the reclaiming of agency and the restoration of voices that have been systematically silenced.

By merging historical trauma with the fragility and beauty of organic elements, the series reflects the complex emotions of navigating cultural displacement and the stigmatization faced by marginalized communities. The masks, once tools of alienation, become metaphors for the migrant experience—caught between worlds, negotiating belonging, and reconfiguring identity in the face of systemic exclusion. This juxtaposition invites viewers to reflect on the enduring impact of control and oppression while celebrating the strength, renewal, and transformative power of resilience and art. Through this work, I aim to honor the struggles and triumphs of those who rebuild their identities in unfamiliar landscapes, finding beauty and strength in the process of reclamation.