Francesca Borgatta’s artwork includes sculptures, puppets, dioramas, and wall-hanging tablets. Her work examines elements of character and scene and the conjunction of word and image. She uses recycled materials taken from nature and the industrial complex. Her artwork can be viewed in galleries, presented in public installations, or as elements in her videos.
The artist’s sculpture is primarily figurative, with the emphasis on gesture. A figure may be shown with symbols and icons or placed in a rude scene. The artist’s use of found materials allows for some unusual juxtapositions. Characters are offered with name and narrative. Certain basic ideas, like boat-making, or a tree of life,...
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New materials call for new techniques. Tile setting, riveting, and applique were disciplines required for these pieces. Ships and their journeys persist as a theme. In “Dragon Boat,” a hydra emerges from the prow, and an unnamed figure appears in the crow’s nest. All kinds of creatures are present, often in series. The bee...
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A diorama places one or more figures in a landscape that appears as an image of the interior mind. When a box encloses the scene, the sides of the box may depict different phases of the story. Images are fashion in collage and low-relief materials. A text may be included for a brief narrative.
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A puppet is made to be held and used to tell a story. The puppeteer uses both voice and movement to animate the figure, to negotiate a landscape, real or imagined. The limbs of the puppet may be manipulated by stick or string. In the gallery, a puppet can be fixed into position on...
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A mask identifies the character as an archetype; it plays silent, or with an external voice. The mask itself is a versatile property to be used by a dancer or an actor with a costume. It can be hung on the wall, or be exchanged in an interactive event.
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I have been making Large Puppets since I was a member of the Bread and Puppet Theater. I build the characters on wooden frames with chicken wire covered by layers of cloth and glue. These figures can be exhibited in galleries, or appear as processional figures in public demonstrations.
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Built on sheets of plywood, a tablet uses a verbal concept in visual terms. In this series, each tablet describes one of the five elements according to the Chinese tradition (earth, metal, water, wood, and fire), and is composed primarily of that element. Each tablet describes a different phase of the interaction (i.e., water...
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Artist Francesca Borgatta creates art and puppets out of recycled materials. This site showcases her work and allows the public to contact Francesca to setup classes, workshops, and events.
Please feel free to contact Francesca by email at francesca@puppetfigures.com
