MAZU
A series of paintings by Giulio Acconci
Giulio Acconci a.k.a. Julio is also part of singer/songwriter duo Soler. Apart from music he has had the passion for art ever since he was little. He studied Graphic design in Florence Italy and has developed his style over the years.
This series dedicated to his home town Macau.
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Using watercolour pencils and traditional Chinese paint brushes,
he links stories of the Sea Goddess like "Daughter"
and more personal stories like “Coming of Age”.
MAZU
183x92cm
Watercolour and Watercolour Pencils on Kraft paper.
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Mazu> Amagau> Macau
Of all the cities that venerate the Sea Goddess, Macau is the only one named after her..
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The guardians (Cherubs)
Instead of depicting the traditional demon guardians, Thousand Miles Eyes and With -the-Wind Ears with Cherubs.
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SPIRIT
183x92cm
Chinese ink and Watercolour on Kraft paper.
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Mazu was known to possess supernatural abilities. One of them was the ability her spirit to leave her body and fly to where ever help was needed.
This bird represents her spirit.
FATHER
183x92cm
Watercolour and Watercolour Pencils on Kraft paper.
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The Ocean Dragon King. The legendary father of Mazu.
DAUGHTER
183x92cm
Watercolour and Watercolour Pencils on Kraft paper.
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Even though she is considered the daughter of the Ocean Dragon King, history records Mazu born Ling Mo was born to a family of fishermen in Fujian.
At a very young age she had obtained knowledge of the occult and was also able to enter into a trance and allow her "spirit" to leave her body at will.
She was seen numerous times flying in a red dress and at times she would appear as a glowing orb to lead fishermen to safety.
One time however she was unable to save a fisherman caught in a storm. It was her father.
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BANYAN TREE
183x92cm
Watercolour and Watercolour Pencils on Kraft paper.
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Mazu had a small garden behind her house.
In that garden was a tree and under the tree a bronze horse which at the touch of her hand, would transform into a flying horse and transport her to where she was needed.
DRAGON BOATS
400x92cm
Watercolour and Watercolour Pencils on Kraft paper.
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The Fujianese have been trading in the South China waters for centuries. They worship Mazu the Sea Goddess. She protects them with the help of her faithful guardians, Thousand Miles Eyes (The cherub covering it's ears) and With -the-Wind Ears. (The cherub covering it's eyes).
COMING OF AGE
183x92cm
Mixed media on Kraft paper
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My father once sculpted lion's head for use as a fountain head. I remember when I was about six, I would hold on to it like a mask and look through the lion's eyes.
It was later cast in bronze.
FATHER'S PRIDE study1
183x92cm
Ink and Watercolour on Watercolour paper
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A father proud of his family.
LING MO
183x92cm
Watercolour pencil sketch on Watercolour paper
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Mazu was born "Ling Mo" . Named so because she was very quiet when she was born and stayed taciturn throughout her 28 years of life.
