Liza MacKinnon

1 – Frida Kahlo (2019)
Spanish language novel with vintage 1950’s photos of Mexico City, survey maps of Mexico for the flounce, dictionary pages, vintage paper lace, hammer and sickle buttons; maps of Mexico, gouache; pages from Karl Marx’ Communist Manifesto, Kahlo’s self-portraits; paper maché
3 x 2 x 1.5 in.
$800

2 – Mary Sidney Herbert (2019)
pages of Mary Sidney Herbert’s sonnets, reproductions of Elizabethan hand written and printed documents, coates of arms and ledgers, ribbon, wax seals, metal fencing
4 x 4 x 4 in.
NFS

3 – Tax Form Antoinette (2018)
2016 tax forms, US dollars, metal fencing
2.5 x 3 x 1 in.
$800

Artist Statement

I love the challenge of telling my story through the limited medium of historic costumes fashioned from paper. These sculptures contain layers of meaning and messages that I might not be naturally brave enough to talk about. Whether these pieces speak of LGBTQIA+ rights, the oligarchical economy or uncover astounding women from history; recycled books, maps, letters and photos combine to tell their stories. Each dress provides a beautiful silhouette from a distance and then reveals covert details up close.

These half scale garments, which can take weeks or even months to complete, are made relevant by the materials included. I enjoy surprising the viewer, either with the trompe l’oeil of paper masquerading as fabric, or with facts like Queen Elizabeth I’s BFF was actually a subversive writer, or nudging the conversation by creating a Marie Antoinette made of 1040 tax forms and US currency. Especially fulfilling is working towards 100% historical accuracy as well as how prolifically I can lavish the surface with details.

About the Artist

Liza MacKinnon is a self-taught multi-media artist and arts educator with 10+ years of experience in teaching, freelance graphic design and exhibited artwork. Working in Lawrence, KS, she has shown regionally as well as NM, WA and TX. Liza specializes in ½ scale 3d historic costumes made from relevant paper and ephemera to create in-depth studies of women in history.

Higher resolution images available upon request.
artist website

@liza.mackinnon

© Liza MacKinnon