Maísa Stolz is a South American fine artist currently living in Abingdon showing her work for the first time in the UK as part of Oxfordshire Artweeks. Maísa creates mixed media sculptures using mostly repurposed materials, slowly building the shape employing different kinds of paper techniques, finishing with fabric, horns, feathers, eggs and everything nature can offer to make the pieces come alive. By layering and manipulating paper, she creates intricate and highly detailed works that capture the imagination of viewers, exploring themes of identity, transformation, and the relationships between humans and the natural world.
The selection seen in this exhibition is inspired by classic masterpieces and well-known pieces of art portrayed as life-sized animal figures. The idea for the series came when she was teaching children in Brazil. The sculptures designed proved to be a wonderful fun way to introduce and engage them with art.
Coming from southern countryside Brasil, she has always been interested in animals, their shapes and characters. Whenever a famous painting or piece of sculpture was spotted, she would find herself wondering what the original transformed into animals would be. Degas’ Little Dancer is perfect as a hare. The Victorian men of Dickens’ Christmas Carol are rats. Mona Lisa’s quiet contemplation becomes a placid and obedient sheep. The Goat with a Pearl Earring needs no further introduction.
A wide array of works of art by Maisa Stolz, including paintings and drawings, can be seen on her web page and Instagram. Inspired by classic arts and utilizing contemporary materials, her work spans from reinterpretations to new creative looks, mixing the old tradition with new flamboyant perspectives. She is currently working on new pieces that explore the history and culture of the area, and is looking forward to sharing her work with the community.