A Reclamation of Hope
October 2020. Stained glass, photographic documentation.
Photography in collaboration with Leia Guo.
The developments made to our knowledge of disease and immunology are invaluable, however they can leave little to be hopeful about, which is more relevant than ever before during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the development of modern medicinal knowledge, many cultures predating the early 18th century utilized masks depicting spiritual deities, demons, and spirits symbolic of disease or health to ward off and protect the wearer and those around them from illness. These masks became a symbol of hope for both the wearers and the viewers. However, as societies advanced, so did our understanding of the world – specifically disease – and the iconic plague mask was created. From this point forward, there was a shift in the perception of masks, bringing great fear of the plague mask symbol. I believe there should be a reclamation of the mask as a symbol of protection, beauty, and hope.
This piece was exhibited during “New Normal” at the Ruberto Ostberg Gallery in November 2021 and again at the “11th Annual President’s Student Art, Craft and Design Exhibition” at the Alberta University of the Arts from April 2022 to January 2023.
