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Putting on Masks



(Post by Kirsten)


There's a lot of conversation right now about masks, which--we know--are in short supply and are very much needed to keep medical professionals and other folks protected. As we humans tend to do, however, we've taking this real need for masks and run with it creatively, and people are coming up with some inventive and wild self-designed face protection.

Of course, this is not new. Masks have a rich and interesting history, and have had a role in so many facets of human culture, including art and religion, war and medicine, theater and labor. They protect us, yes, but also allow us to hide ourselves, to transform our identities, to summon within ourselves a sense of empowerment or mysticism beyond what we experience in our typical daily lives and routines.

Here are a few examples:

Lady Gaga (of course)


Vader (also a given in any conversation about masks)


But how about this beautiful 1953 mask by artist Chukwu Okoro (from the Seattle Art Museum's collection)?


Or this Makah eagle mask (from the University of Oregon's Museum of Natural and Cultural History collection)?  


So, today's writing exercise asks you to think about masks, their role in culture, in history, in medicine, or in an individual character's experience. 

1. Write about a moment in time when wearing a mask was culturally expected. You could rely on history for the foundation of your story/poem/essay, or you could imagine a society in which masks were not just popular but demanded. 

2. Write about a particular character who inherits a mask. From whom did he/she/they receive the mask? What is the mask's meaning and history? Why did the character receive it now?

3. Consider "mask" as metaphor. Write about the masks we use that aren't necessarily visible or tangible. How do we cover up, hide ourselves, change our identities--even if just for a little while? Write a poem or story or essay about the mask(s) you wear or have worn.






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