Magical Realism
© Ernesto Beckford, Chadds Ford PA (2021-2024)
Living Room Elegance
Husband and wife stand elegantly dressed in their living room. He wears a red coordinated outfit with white sneakers, a black belt, a fashionable jacket with polka dots, a brown groovy shirt, a white wig, and a bow to hold back his ponytail. She wears black platform shoes, white socks, a purple blackish dress, a holster top, an elegant necklace made of rope, short sleeves, long hair, and a dazzling new hat. The living room sports wood floors, a red couch with green pillows, a blue metallic table, sconces made from seashells, and palm trees painted on the walls. A surreal handmade collage with watercolor, exploring modern elegance and humor.
Collage Size: 10x14.5 inches
Moon Madonna
The collage depicts a striking image of a woman with soulful eyes and a beautiful profile drawn in black and white. Her rounded face expresses a humanistic interpretation of the moon. Her eyes are dark, and they exude an intense and captivating energy that draws the viewer in. She wears a crown of red feathers on her head, which creates a vibrant and striking contrast against her pale face. The feathers are arranged in a circular shape, giving the impression of a halo or crown. Her expression is peaceful and introspective, suggesting she is lost in thought or meditation. Combining the woman's serene expression, the stark black-and-white contrasts and the vibrant red feathers create a sense of magic and wonder. She embodies the beauty and mystery of the night sky.
Puppet Master
A skilled puppeteer stands before you, his gaze fixed directly upon you as his hands dangle over the stage, manipulating the strings of his puppets with precision. His face is a composite of masks, hiding his identity, but his hands are delicate and large, seemingly able to control anything they touch. He is a master of his craft, ready to play with the strings of anyone's heart or mind. Handmade collage using paper, magazines, and old books.
Collage Size: 9.5x12.3 inches
Something New
A semi-clad young man stares out into the horizon, looking for something new and wonderful. He is engulfed by scarfs, veils, and fabrics of different shades of blue. Blue is the color of hope. Surreal collage made from paper with watercolor.
Collage Size: 11.5x15 inches
Through the Looking Glass
“Oh, Kitty, how nice it would be if we could only get through into Looking-glass House! I’m sure it’s got, oh! such beautiful things in it! Let’s pretend there’s a way of getting through into it, somehow, Kitty. Let’s pretend the glass has got all soft like gauze, so that we can get through. Why it’s turning into a sort of mist now, I declare! It’ll be easy enough to get through.” Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking Glass.
Handmade collage using bits and pieces of paper, imagination, splashes of watercolor, and old magazines and books that smell of smoke and coffee.
Collage Size: 14.8x15 inches