How Art Changed The Ordinary Face Masks?

 

Masks were the object of the lockdown. But not for every individual. Some were way too creative with masks. 

A few years back, no one really would have thought that mask would be so symbolic of the time we live in. But now, the masks are the current meaning no matter wherever we are. 

Since the coronavirus outbreak, the mask has been the emblem of this pandemic and has fed the creativity of artists worldwide. 

All face mask artists took masks as their canvas to form humorous memes to serious statements. However, sometimes wearing a mask was obligatory in some areas of the world and initially discouraged in others. Throughout the pandemic and still, masks were the object of controversy, a symbol of separation and censorship, but also a symbol of art, care, and protection. 

Art Masks Always Have Been Here-

You may think that masks are the inventions of the pandemic. But, firmly, it is not true. Masks have been here for centuries now, however, in different forms inlaid with different art. Masks have always been a part of different cultures. If you look at the ancient history of countries like India, the Netherlands, Mexico, and Egypt. It's a human's natural tendency to turn ordinary things into representations.  

Ancient Indians used face masks in religious performances to impress their deities. Egyptian people had worn masks as a display of their status in society. If you sit to read the history of the face masks, you may find that every culture of the world has the significance of the masks in one or the other form. 

However, these masks were not surgical masks. People wore them out of their choice, not a necessity. Let's refer to them as ancient masks. So, one common thing in all the ancient masks is that these were creative. Different forms of art were featured on these masks, ordinary yet beautiful. So, after looking at some historical factors, we can say that masks have been the way for artists to express and showcase their art. 

A Social Security Weapon For The Creative Introverts- 

Introverts have found their way with masks and to display and showcase their passion for the art. No shyness anymore, introverts took social media and the streets both as their playground. Mask art is the new term to explain all of this craziness. 

Introverts used the masks as their loving act of preservations or the cynical mocking of their social anxiety. Mask art has become a way to say the topics aloud for introverts. There is no lack of creativity. You can find painted masks, embroidered masks, and even masks to match the dress. 

A New Way To Style-

Not just an introverted lifestyle, face masks have influenced fashion also. Some fashion designers from Nigeria created dazzling face masked outfits to increase awareness about the virus.

Not only in Nigeria, but fashion designers from Africa also created jewelry encrusted face masks. 

From fashion shows to the streets, matching face masks are the fashion. Native American Navajo artists are second to none when it comes to designing face masks. We must say their face masks are fashionable and something different. Navajos are crafting facemasks that pay their indigenous homage. 

You can find a glimpse of their cultural heritage imprinted on their face masks. That is because indigenous people have a way to tell their cultural heritage through their art. 

In Japan, face masks are more than just a household item. Japanese artists used face masks to create miniature arts. Holding the breath in mind, artists from all over the world created the art pieces. Maybe someday, these art pieces will become a way to display how the world and art have survived the pandemic. 

Conclusion- 

Every day, the internet is bombarded with new ideas. Some work, and some don't. But, any of these ideas can shine. Not everything can go in vain. Art Masks are just that idea. Artists took London streets to the tablets in Turkey as their canvas. Mask is a necessity of time, but with a little touch of personalization, it becomes more and more acceptable. Face mask artists did exactly that. Art masks made the masks even more acceptable. 

Along with this, face masks opened more possibilities to enjoy less draining workdays. You can go out safely without fearing a virus.