These face masks are part of the project "Fragments". I've started working on this art project in 2015 during the first year at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera. I've created about 30 types of cool masks using different art materials: from waste materials (like Coke cans and plastic forks) to industrial materials (like iron screws and springs) also a paper from magazines, pieces of vinyl, CDs, and recently composite materials. In particular, I'd like to introduce you to three unique design masks that are part of the series made of carbon fiber, carbon-kevlar, and fiberglass.
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Carbon Fiber Mask
This unique art project is related to the theme of identity, self-construction, fears, and preconceptions. The masks give us back a fragmented reality that is the one in which we live; a reality that offers multiple possibilities, which allows us to be whoever we want but which, in the end, destabilizes and disorients.
The black mask in the picture is the one realized by a fabric weaved by carbon fiber. This work of art, in particular, presents a very interesting texture and changes according to the lights. To create this sculpture artwork, the textile has been coated with resin and then cut into several fragments. This material is usually used to make machine chassis lighter and stronger.
Carbon-Kevlar Mask
The three masks presented, are realized with fibers that are used in different sectors to strengthen. For example, bulletproof vests are reinforced with Kevlar to prevent the bullet from entering the jacket. I turned the conversation upside down.
It is realized with carbon-Kevlar and epoxy resin. The carbon-Kevlar fabric is a composite material made by the weaving of carbon fiber (the black part) and kevlar fiber (the other part which is yellow). Carbon fiber is usually used in the automotive sector and Kevlar is widely used to make bulletproof vests.
Fiberglass Mask
Fiberglass is well known in the nautical sector, it is used for the hulls of boats. When fiberglass is combined with resin, it acquires mechanical strength.
How it is made
To realize these masks, I destroyed the materials, I showed fallibility, the same we don't want to show when we wear a mask. In the end, taking off the mask means exposing oneself and accepting human fallibility.
Working on masks
To obtain this shape, I use a clay mold personally created and I spread the epoxy resin on the surface, then I place the fragments one by one. When the resin is catalyzed, the mask is perfectly rigid and ready to be detached from the mold.
