Prototype created out of Bristol board and masking tape.
I then proceeded to use wire mesh for my next mask and layer it with plaster cloth. The wire mesh (unlike the paper) allows me to create more movement in my mask
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After multiple tries with the plaster cloth and wire mesh, I was able to create my final, sturdy mask.
I wanted to embellish my mask with materials that are not meant to be used as embellishments so that it opens up my options in contrast to the traditional materials used when decorating masks.
I decided to use paper as my way of embellishing my project as well as various acrylic mediums and paint to depict the significance of the Moulin Rouge and the Belle Époque era.
I have many reasons for choosing paper and paint as my way of decorating the mask:
For one, paper can do many different things that other materials simply cannot produce. It is easy to work with and is easy to fold while still having the ability to stay structured (if worked with properly). There is no “right” or “wrong” with this material, there are endless ways of dealing with paper and since I really enjoyed working with paper for my initial prototype, it seemed wrong not to incorporate the visual success of my prototype in my final piece.
As well as paper’s great ability to create beautiful structured shapes, I also discuss how fashion impacted the role of women during the time in which the Moulin Rouge was the centre of entertainment. Although the bold fashion gave off vivacious vibes from the female performers, they in fact, were facing hardships and were forced to do things that they had to do in order to survive. The paper is a visual metaphor of the idea that something may look very strong and confident externally, but is actually very delicate and fragile when you examine it with deeper insight. (Thus the paper looks very strong and sturdy but with one rip or bend, it permanently ruins it).
Moving onto the paint and my choice of colours, I picked red and purple as my main colours because it is what the Moulin Rouge mainly consisted of. Shades of red, purple and black (but I thought that black would be too harsh for the overall appeal of the mask). I decided to not paint the entire mask with colour as one of the main components that made up the moulin rouge was the mixing of the social classes. Therefore, there was a mix of dark and light shades while all being intertwined as one when viewing the whole piece. It aesthetically pulls everything together without being too busy and it can also metaphorically show the ups and downs of the Belle Époque era. It depends on how the viewer sees it.
Overall, with all of the hidden messages behind this mask, I am happy with the final result of my piece and my goal is for this piece to reflect on the liveliness of this era.
