Masks have been around since the dawn of time. While their recent presence in pop culture once appeared to be nothing more than a passing phase, global conversations encompassing human behavior in the digital realm continue to keep this trend in the limelight. Living with hyperconnectivity, the average person can aim for fame and obscurity all from the comfort of their own home.
Privacy operates like a two-way mirror and these carefully constructed masks allow regular personalities to hide behind artful obscurity. Be it Peter Pilotto’s punk masterpiece for Dazed and Confused, this paper collection found on Cool Hunter, the bobble and animal heads from Theme Magazine, Mike Mill’s textile models, this old Hair’em or Scare’em book cover covering hair-centric conversations, Stella McCartney’s budget-minded retail windows or this devilish McQueen mask made from childrens toys, all of these examples allow the user to be seen behind a veil of mystery.
Hidden visibility poses the public vs. private dilemma and as digital voyeurism continues to grow, we anticipate more masks and more debate.
