Julia Huang
Nail Guards
Prompt: Crafting a 3D wearable mask inspired by an ancient culture that incorporates historical references into a contemporary masterpiece that reflects your interpretation of beauty.
Combining my growing interest in nail art and taking inspiration from the nail guards worn by royalty in ancient Chinese culture, this piece is my interpretation of a wearable mask. In ancient China, long nails were tied to beauty and nobility, and nail guards were worn to protect them. Today, we see how nail art has evolved and how people have become more receptive to bolder, more extravagant nail designs. Keeping in mind the ideas of fashion and function, I took inspiration from traditional Buddhist symbols and imagery, along with Chinese patterns and motifs when creating these nail “masks”.