Introduction
mask as metaphor, is inspired by paul lawrence dunbar’s poem, the mask we hide behind, a series of portraits dealing with the idea of identity, authenticity and the self. by resorting to everyday gestures, clothing and objects, i examine the duality of man and the driving force to conceal our true nature. fear of Judgement and isolation makes us do and say things we do not mean, such as pretending to have a political opinion contrary to our real one, or acting differently to how we feel, to appear energetic when we are tired, happy when sad. However, the more we wear the mask the more transparent we become.
we wear the mask that grins and lies,
it hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,—
this debt we pay to human guile;
with torn and bleeding hearts we smile,
and mouth with myriad subtleties.
paul laurence dunbar, poet