Week 1 - Some Mask Inspiration

MASK RESEARCH

The purpose of this first post is to display a collection of relevant pictures paired with comments involving style inspiration, analyzation, and possibilities to involve the senses in Project 1.

Assignment plot - inhibiting or enhancing a sense or a combination of both while being design conscious.

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Visual Textures - Exaggerated Mouth & Teeth - Repetition of Eye Shape - Forehead Decoration
Lines along and offsetting hole to draw attention to eyes and horns - Intimidating, Scary - Eyes, Mouth

When I began research for this project I was first drawn to these wooden masks from the Philippines. I appreciate the combination of textures and lines that travel though the masks accenting certain aspects and shapes but this is also enhanced through the buffing/smoothening of the surface although its wood. This helps the masks feel more 3D and dynamic, pushing the viewers gaze downwards towards the pointy teeth. Additionally, the way that these mask were carved with multiple eyes stacked on top of each other was to draw special attention to the importance of the sense of sight and the power it holds.

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Extending Head Appendages - Minimal Eyes - Large Organic Shapes - Nose/Mouth Exaggeration
Separation of eyes with a focus on the top and forehead emphasizing relations - Playful, Drama - Eyes, Mouth 

These two pieces appeal to me because of their playful visions while retaining a flurry of individual characteristics helping define the subject and use. The one on the left focuses on the separation of the eyes almost in a pained comedic look while the one on the right seems much more stoic because of its elongation. From the sides though I can imagine that the division mask is much more dynamic like a fin. Like feathers, the pointy structures draw attention towards the forehead and then upwards examining the length and details covering them like textures/rings.

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This is the first of four blog posts revolving around the Mask Project.
Thanks for reading. Peace