Mark Scheflen Showed Teenagers’ Self-portraits Depicted on Masks

By: Natalia Bogutskaya

Exhibition “Faces of Youth” by Mark Scheflen was open on Friday, October 15 in Small Hall of Town Exhibition Center in Veliky Novgorod. The author is artist, photographer and also founder of Kiboko organization which implements art, educational and cultural exchange projects between the countries.  Novgorod exhibition is the result of one of these projects. All the objects exposed are the works of students from South Africa, Kenya, USA and Russia. Mark Scheflen also exhibited some of his own works.

The works include photographs, books but most of the exhibition focus is on masks, students’ self-portraits. Curiously and vividly painted masks reflect children’s astonishing imagination, their individual world, thoughts, feelings and emotions. Teenagers invite attention to benevolence, reproach adult world’s imperfection and share their dreams. You can see into motives by reading short mask captions by teenage authors some of which are quite serious. It gives visitors warm feelings.

By the way, among hundred showpieces there are ten objects on health topic made by Novgorod students. Teenagers entirely immersed themselves in creative work and studied English up to keep new contacts.

The opening program was wide-ranging. After welcoming speech visitors could see body art works by Elena Dudina and VorteX dance studio performance. The high spot of the show was master class by Mark Scheflen. He presented fresh mask in 10 minutes of work and 15 minutes of waiting.

Exhibition will last till October, 31.