Masks have a remarkable 20,000 year-old history, along with cave painting they are among the oldest art forms. Originally associated with magic, ceremony and ritual in more recent millennia they have also played a central role in theatre, carnival and general masquerade. Cordelia John’s work, while playing on this rich history, investigates new ideas surrounding the ‘masks’ worn today; what is it we wish to conceal, flaunt or reveal? This is done with the use of current media material, either text or images, worn by the masks as a final skin. Using a very organic, hands-on process, she firstly creates the initial structure from single strand wire, then builds the form up with the use of both pulped and layered papier-mache strips, all of which are sourced from supplements and newspapers. Thus creating a powerful internal soup of today’s history. Additionally, between these carefully placed layers are hand written incantations, blessings and well wishing spells, composed by the artist and laid to gently hum within the works form. Each piece is a time capsule of current thoughts, beliefs and dreams; intellectual energies and physical touch power these primitive-style sculptures. They are a present reminder of Art’s role in our lives as Magical, there to heal and nourish our hungry, tired souls!