mandatory mask

protective masks, artist’s edition

The new reality and mask requirement is the subject of the current public fiction project.

Protective masks have been mandatory in public spaces since April 2020. The mask hides our facial expressions, changes our appearance, makes it difficult to interpret our emotions and those of others, hinders our verbal and non-verbal communication, strengthens the anonymity of today and the feeling of being alone and thus creates in interaction with the (body) prohibition of contact in the public space emotional deficiency.

But this other public also represents an opportunity. AI algorithms can no longer recognize our faces on the street. Through the mask we can change our identity at any time or play with it. Our public identity is all ours again. New social affiliations can emerge in order to satisfy our biologically anchored social needs, to make symbolic statements about what we stand for, what is important to us.

Public fiction masks designed by contemporary artists are an extravagant accessory and a modern means of communication; they create a new identity, carry a message, make a statement.

Some of the possible areas of application are:
– Selfies in public
– Tourists and sights
– Public transport in Corona times
– Analog art events in the New Normal

Artists offer workshops and art performances accompanying projects in public spaces.

The duration of the project is one year. The project records the current changes in public space and social interaction in Berlin. The entire project will be photo and video documented and then exhibited.

The artists are supported in this difficult time by selling the masks. The products are marketed on Facebook, Instagram and at live events.

Artists participating in this project:
John Butler, Fotini Kariotaki, Ioannis Savvidis, Lina Theodorou.