douglas Kornfeld
“The Mind Is Not a Vessel to Be Filled, But a Fire to Be Kindled” – Plutarch (2023)
Materials: Epoxy-painted stainless-steel tube
Dimensions: 20’ x 18’ x 1’-6”
Location: Starlight Theater, Kansas City, MO
Commissioning Agency: Kansas City Public Art
In ancient Greek theater, comedy and tragedy were the foundation of dramatic expression, symbolized by two iconic masks. These traditional forms defined the emotional and thematic limits of early performance.
This sculpture reinterprets those classic theatrical symbols. The paired masks now wear ambiguous expressions—no longer confined to joy or sorrow—reflecting the broader emotional and narrative complexity of contemporary theater. Today’s productions encompass a wide range of genres, storytelling styles, and creative experimentation. These modern masks honor that evolution and the ever-expanding boundaries of theatrical art.
View 2 Minute video of installation.
(Click on the thumbnails below to see an enlarged version on the right.)
