Who Do I Think I Am? | Matilda Flood
Young artist Matilda Flood to explored the concept of identity through art. Personal research of her family tree and the discovery of a link to Plantagenet King Henry II, along a long line of various medieval monarchs, widened her perspective of looking into the past. Visitors were invited to create their own illustration inspired by her new mixed media artwork.
As someone who greatly values the importance of history and is interested in the concept of identity, I began this project by researching my family tree. Discovering my link to Plantagenet King Henry II, along with a long line of various medieval monarchs widened my perspective on looking into our pasts. For many such discoveries can leave a bitter aftertaste and cause us to question our position within the world. Throughout my research themes of illusion and corruption were repetitive, and I was able to pull through significant similarities between concepts of unrest during the 1500s and now. For a world that was once run under fear and the tight fists of monarchs, we now place our bets on what politicians are telling us the truth. Following the style of traditional medieval painting, I was able to compose an illustration that highlights the evil that comes with power, and how those who hold such power can manipulate factors such as religion to help them gain popularity. Matilda Flood