Andra: The Inspiration

Josephine Dermond, Northeastern University, Honors Program Student, Mask Class Student Fall, 2022

This mask represents the antithesis of my other mask, Otis. I used the same colors, black, red, and white. Regardless of change and growth, the grief of the past will always be there, but the difference occurs in how one perceives it. Instead of symbolizing the challenges of mourning, the colors are viewed from an alternative perspective to demonstrate the influence our perception of events has on our life. Red and black represent their alternative meanings: healing and maturity. The white means purity and cleansing to symbolize a new beginning while also remembering the past. This mask was inspired by my mental health journey and working to overcome hardship. 

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To contradict the Wawa aba symbol on Otis, I chose to paint the Hye won hye adinkra symbol which symbolizes “that which does not burn”. This symbol of endurance represents overcoming loss and grief and being stronger on the other side. Additionally, horns in West African culture symbolize strength and power. The title Andra is inspired by Andra Day, the black female artist, and her song “Rise Up”. The song encapsulates what I wanted to convey in my mask because her song speaks to the continual push to rise above challenges even when you are broken.