Masks: Archetypes & Symbols
We use masks to hide and reveal.
We wear them everyday, intentionally and inadvertently.
A mask can be a symbol of our ideals, hopes, and fears.
The hidden world of spirits and the natural world
Manifest in a mask.
A mask lets the spirit soar
Opens the ears to the silent forest.
Children love/fear masks.
Clowns can frighten.
A vampire/bat-man is a protector.
Red Riding Hood swallowed by a wolf
Becomes the wolf.
We seek to see beyond the layers of time & space.
We reveal/hide behind uniforms, suits. tattoos & body piercing.
We look for hidden knowledge.
Love, happiness & beauty
In a secret code,
A symbol to defeat time,
The fountain of youth
To wash away the mask of endless seconds.
ARCHETYPES: Powerful universal symbols, motifs, and patterns that occur in dreams, literature, mythology, folklore, and sacred texts. Explored and studied in great detail as part of Jungian Psychology they play a significant role in literary and art criticism/analysis. Because of their strong influence on our behaviour and beliefs they have been used in advertising and political propaganda.
Great words and really interesting images.
January 23, 2012 at 6:11 am
Thanks. My wife’s work with native art in her classes got me thinking along these lines.
January 25, 2012 at 10:09 pm
Fascinating (both visually and conceptually), sir!
Hahaha… I’d be a true test for Photoshop’s facelift abilities!
January 23, 2012 at 12:43 pm
I’m sure with your talents you could place yourself in an interesting noir shot or cabaret style poster.
January 25, 2012 at 10:12 pm