"Fihla"

Artist statement:

Cow Mash’s current work is inspired by her self-given name “Cow” and the cultures and symbols of the cow within the Sepedi traditions, as well as globally. Through cow metaphors, she tries to situate herself between tradition and the contemporary world. Cow creates drawings on synthetic leather and sculptural works using synthetic wools, combining various fabrics. She reflects on the transformation and evolution of culture by using synthetic leather rather than actual cowhide. Her doodle-like repetitive lines in her drawings and meditative methods in sculpting are a means of self-contemplation and healing and finding a sense of belonging.

Transhumanism interpretation: 

Allowing oneself to exist outside of social and cultural constructs. Not hiding and tolerating practices that make a person feel uncomfortable or out of place.

“Fihla” means to hide, in this artwork the figure wears her udder exposed and hanging not hidden at all, instead the figure has its face hidden. In rebellion to growing up being told to hide the parts of yourself you might be proud of and only showing your “pretty face”.