'Shadow-play (Little Ash Girl)'

oil on canvas, 110 cm x 150 cm

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Maura intertwines literary references with autobiographical elements. This painting is a retelling of a popular fairy tale. It depicts the storybook character Cinderella in a setting with strong shadows. Maura made a three dimensional scale model in wax to stage this scene.
It is a painting about isolation and the longing for friendship. Cinderella is surrounded by everything she needs for a happy life. She only needs a friend to transform the mice and the pumpkin into the things that bring her ultimate happiness. The magical bluish lighting helps to convey a sense of hope and suspense.