Andalucia Auras – The Mask
This is the second NFT in the Collection of Andalucia Auras. This image was especially prepared for Mask Ephemera Exhibition for the NFT.NYC Conference November 2021 at The Edison Ballroom and Palladium Center in Times Square, NYC.
It is a portrait of Mercedes a professional model and kitsurfer who lives in Tarifa, Andalucia.
The Spanish fan is one of the world’s most seductive masks. This multifunctional artefact holds an important role in the ritual of Flamenco dance performance. An attractive accessory which conveys a secret code of communication between the artist and the audience. The momentary use of the Spanish fan can convey emotions, a mask ephemera.
The photograph was taken in the old town of Tarifa on the Costa de la Luz (The coast of the light), Andalucia, Spain.
Michelle explains that, to her, “an aura is something invisible, a field of energy of a person or a place that can be transmitted to the viewer. The Spanish fan, which is often portrayed as an evocative mask, is a perfect subject for The Andalucia Auras Collection”.
“The Mask” has been minted and is currently available for purchase on the Rarible site.
A portrait of Mercedes – The Mask by Michelle Chaplow
Charity Collaboration
Michelle will donate 25% of the proceeds from this NFT to the historic English Cemetery in Málaga.
The cemetery depends on donations and during this pandemic, they have been forced to close during the week and are now only able to open at the weekend due to the lack of visitors as this historic monument’s main sources of funding is depleated: visitors’ entrance fees and cultural activities.
Before the English Cemetery was created in 1831, the death of a non-Roman Catholic in Spain was problematic, as no provision was made for their burial. All cemeteries were consecrated according to the rites the Catholic faith. In Málaga, non-Catholics could only be buried at night, on the beach and in an upright position, and left at the mercy of the waves and of prowling dogs.
Thus is the oldest Protestant burial place on mainland Spain and an important part of the history and heritage of Málaga.
Andalucia Auras collection
Over the next year, Michelle hopes to mint one Andalucia-related image per month as an NFT under the newly launched collection Andalucia Auras.
How to purchase
“The Mask” has been minted and is currently available for purchase on the Rarible site.
Bio
Michelle has always been an early adopter in terms of technology and is fascinated by the world of NFTs. Michelle’s photographs have been published by such prestigious institutions and publications as the Library of Congress, Telegraph, The Times, National Geographic travel guides and Conde Nast Traveller. Publications include a coffee table book on Spain commissioned by Vilo in Paris.
She has won a several awards for her photography and has also been recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Commerce for promoting Spain.
Michelle’s images, inspired by her experience of the people, landscapes and history of Spain, capture special moments and little-known corners of Spain. Her intimate knowledge of the country, the Spanish people and their language give a unique depth and resonance to her photography. She is a member of the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain and has studied photography at Seville University, The Contemporary Art Museum in Malaga and MoMA in New York.