ARTIST STATEMENT
Meet the world of Irma May, a fictional character that I created to act as a protective shield, through which I can share my innermost experiences, opinions, and attitudes. Irma is the voice of my subconscious.
“On a Silver Platter” is one of a triptych of her creation story of overcoming with strength, acceptance, and zest. On the first of the triptych Irma receiving troubling news, on the second one she is reflecting and processing. Finally, we arrive to “On a Silver Platter”, where she has willingly more than accepted her situation.
The feast she is hosting is symbolic; all of her that is essential for survival has been taken by Life’s challenges, yet more is demanded. Instead of reacting with terror, she is confronting the world of the price it claimed. Setting a fancy table is inviting, by which we notice not only her acceptance, but also as if she said “…needing yet another piece? I will be okay, will You?”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Zsofia Otvos has been a practicing artist for 20 years. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, she is 4 time recipient of the Chicago Arts Assistant Program Grant, and was one of 12 featured artist during the Chicago Artist Month in 2008. She has been reviewed in print in Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Suntimes among others.
Zsofia gained her studio training in Budapest, at Studio 91, and earned her BA degree in Art and Theater at NCC, while taking classes at the SAIC. She grew up next to her mother’s tapestry loom, which became the base to her art. Currently Zsofia is based in Chicago, but also resides in Budapest. Besides her fine art studio practice, she is an accomplished makeup artist for film and television.
© Zsófia Ötvös