Emma Camps

刀马男旦 (Dāo Mǎ Nán Dàn)

Mixed media assemblage, ceramic

10 x 15”

2023

NFS

“This sculptural piece is a ceramic mold of the artist’s face, painted and embellished to create an interpretation of traditional face paint and head dress styles found in Chinese and Taiwanese Peking Opera. The piece is most inspired by the male performed Rabbit character, and the female performed Warrior character known as Dāo Mǎ Dàn. Altering the role name with the masculine Nán, produces the works’ title which contextually translates to a “Crossdressing Warrior”. By interpreting these aesthetics through the lens of the artists’ personal experiences the work speaks to tradition, gender performance, and cultural connection.”