Blog 3: Project outcomes
I decided to learn about mask making and politics for the individual project of better lives.
I was introduce to a history background of mask making and the uses of mask developed throughout the years between cultures and politics.
We had to decide on a political event in which the finals design of our mask would be based on.
Initially when I thought about wearing a mask in political protests I linked it to the more aggressive part of this events.
I decided to do as much research as possible by going into museums and reading books and articles.
Mask through the world have been used in battle or as a defensive mechanism against external offences.
At first it was difficult to set my mind on a specific political cause as my interest on this subject were extensive. I initially thought about linking my project into extinction rebellion as I am conscious about the environment and an advocate for climate change. I also thought about animal cruelty and how some brands such as Lush or organisations such as PETA fight against it and how I could contribute to this cause.
However I decided to go to back to my thoughts and explore the link formed between political events and mask using: aggression.
I became aware of the meaning of using a mask when protesting a cause, it being the power it holds to be anonymous when fighting about something the government or society may be against.
There are always going to be conflict of ideals, and so there’ll be always protests that don’t end up peacefully and in which force would have to be used. I looked at some of the most famous riots throughout history and noted masks have been used in all of them. In the recent years some masks have become symbols of this fight such as the Anonymous or more recently Dali mask.
For this reason I decided to design a mask of my own that could become a symbol and protection for those in need.
I heavily based the design on Asian masks such as Japanese samurais or the Sri Lanka exorcism masks. I wanted to create something recognisable but imposing. The design itself is demon-like but with bright colours to catch the eye of the audience and be memorable.
I settle on metal for the material to make it as sturdy as possible and a defence for the wearer, it was also designed taking in account the events that end up happening in riots. The eye are protected by a plastic sheet covering the eyeholes of the mask against gas, dust… The mouth is covered with also the possibility of wearing a dust mask to filter the air.
The final design comes in a range of different colours, thinking about giving identity to an object that’s hide the identity of the user.
I have enjoyed this project immensely and would like to see my final design of the mask come to life, knowing it can help those who need it.