Masks, beastly armours, used as a second skin for protection or to evoke courage in rituals or in a struggle, become sculptural metaphors for the protected and the hidden in Freija’s work. But Freija’s work goes beyond the fight or the ritual. The fight has been fought, the ritual performed. In this resignation the masks and shields can get a second life in which Freija wishes to involve the public both mentally and physically. Strongly enlarged elements of a mask or anchored wings give the performer a static character. Deprived of the possibility of motion, wearing these masks can be experienced as a protective or hidden state, but it carries a closed and comical tone at the same time.
Marc Horemans
