“Opened Suddenly

Masks of Courage: Defining True Identity in Brooklyn

The Masks of Courage’s artworks were donated to raise funds for the Natalia Ponce de León Foundation which defends and protects the human rights of victims of chemical attacks

Brooklyn had one of the most interesting exhibitions on the night of April 28 at Gallery House “Masks of Courage: Defining True Identity” where more than 40 artworks, including paintings, photographs and installations filled the rooms of this house located in 272 Clinton Ave.

Masks of Courage: Defining True Identity
Masks of Courage: Defining True Identity (photo by Ana Celaya)

The artworks were donated to raise funds for the Natalia Ponce de León Foundation (www.fundacionnataliaponcedeleon.org) which defends, promotes and protects the human rights of victims of chemical attacks.

The show challenged attributes that define how we see ourselves, and how others perceive us. Our face, body, language, relationships, what we wear, like and own, paints an image of who we are. But what happens when we take those things away? Who are we then? In that spirit, the exhibition was delighted to work with artists who donated their artworks answering the question: “Who am I?”

Masks of Courage: Defining True Identity
Full House in Masks of Courage exhibition in Brooklyn (photo by Ana Celaya)


Live production as a part of creative process

This time around, All City Canvas collaborated to achieve this purpose by bringing the outstanding Italian illustrator Francesco Masci. He intervened and donated a painting he created live during the opening night. The live process made the attendees feel part of the creative process.

Also our friend Cake Street Art (Jennifer Caviola) donated one of her great artworks for this amazing cause.

Masks of Courage: Defining True Identity
“Opened Suddenly” – CakeStreetArt (photo by Ana Celaya)

“Masks of Courage: Defying True Identity” took the viewers through a journey that separates the sense of self worth from the external attributes of identity, to ultimately confront them with the reality acid attack victims experience.

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Francesco Masci starting to work in his project, which was donated to Natalia Ponce de León Foundation (photo by Ana Celaya)
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Viewers enjoyed the whole creative process of Francesco’s artwork (photo by Ana Celaya)