Marta Díez Sculptures

By Horacio Semeraro

Masks have at all times reflected man´s need to take on various roles when faced with infinity, deities and the rest of men. Whether warlike, festive or sacred, masks have always stirred a seductive, mysterious attraction. Marta Díez Ojeda is a painter, sculptress and historian from Tucumán province whose work has been widely acclaimed by specialized critics. She seems to have unveiled the mystery in them, based on fecund, praise-worthy creativity. Thus, in a book that is as beautiful from the viewpoint of content and concept as it is from the formal side, the quality of the photographs and elegance of the edition, her talent is joined to the poetic interpretation each work has stirred in writer Ruben Vela, whose inspired lyrical subjectivity is sheer delight throughout the book. The source of inspiration for the sculptures and masks is thoroughly varied and versatile, ranging from zoomorphic pharaohs to Mayan, Aztec and Andean rites. Beautiful African sculptures strangely remindful of Gioconda-like placidity, as well as long Zulu or Zambian necks are to be found in the book together with shamans, night birds and an achieved recreation of Buddha. Another work worth pointing out to is the one entitled "Literary Gazette", made out of newspaper and shown on the cover of the book. It depicts an original blend of Venetian Carnival masks and genuine traits from Argentina´s Northern region. The masks were mostly made with papier mâché, cartapesta and oil paint, and ornamented with fabric, spangles, rock crystal, feathers, shells, glass, aluminum or gold leaf, depending on the case as viewed by the artist in her noteworthy creativity and endless patience. Anybody having a chance to take a close look at her works will undoubtedly agree that a strange spell comes over the viewer upon watching her beautifully ornamented masks with empty eyeholes. According to her own preliminary words in the book, the artist aimed at unveiling the milenary secrets concealed behind those faces. The result is a surprising display of festiveness, a colourful parade of glamorous, imaginative creation from a talented plastic artist, and an achieved interpretation by an acknowledged poet.
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Horacio Semeraro. Writer, e critic of Art and Literature, a contributor to La Gaceta´s Literary Supplement and to La Nacion daily.