With Fringe Trim and Gilded Baubles, Damselfrau’s Masks Turn Disguise into Decadence — Colossal

While Magnhild Kennedy’s masks certainly hide their wearer’s identity, they won’t leave you inconspicuous. Working as Damselfrau, the East London-based artist stitches elaborate disguises from a range of found materials. Beads, feathers, fringe, and various glitzy baubles layer onto mesh panels, sometimes in the form of bright, owl-like eyes or a gilded, regal headdress.

Kennedy is in a quieter period of her practice at the moment, working slowly and intentionally on her garments. In addition to the studio pieces, she’s also been hosting maker parties that invite friends and community members to join in the creative process. Follow the latest on Instagram.

an ornate mask by Magnhild Kennedy with owl-like eyes, feathers, beads, and a patterned peach textile covering the body
an ornate mask by Magnhild Kennedy with black and white beads, and mesh, and a patterned red and black textile covering the body
an ornate mask by Magnhild Kennedy with gold and red details, and a patterned blue textile covering the body
an ornate mask by Magnhild Kennedy with yellow and black beads and fringe and a textile covering the body
an ornate mask by Magnhild Kennedy with yellow and blue beads and details and a patterned blue textile covering the body
an ornate mask by Magnhild Kennedy with long draping red, purple, green, and blue fringe and a white textile covering the body
an ornate mask by Magnhild Kennedy with white and gold beads and a patterned gold and red textile covering the body
an ornate mask by Magnhild Kennedy with swirling blue and yellow and a patterned peach textile covering the body



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