Mask

2017

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Masking as an art form has roots in ancient history. Masking is defined as concealing one's emotions by showing another emotion through wearing a mask. It is mostly used to show a positive emotion by hiding a negative emotion. Many people wear a “mask” for many different reasons. People may not even know they are wearing a “mask” because it becomes a natural reaction, a conditioned reflex. Masking can be strongly influenced by environmental factors such as authoritarian parents, high-pressure working environment, even facing someone who people are not familiar. I used wax to create a mask to show a person fading. I chose wax because it is malleable and can change how it looks with just some heat and simple shaping - much like humans! We are easily influenced and our emotions react accordingly.