Natalie Zoller
Mycenaean Mask
Class of: 2027
Major: Fashion Design BFA
Medium: Yarn, Annealed Wire, Rubber Bands
Faculty: Aviva Maya Shulem
Prompt: The purpose of the Hybrid Cultural Mask project was to craft a 3D wearable mask inspired by an ancient culture that incorporates historical references into a contemporary masterpiece. Considering questions such as how the human senses impact our interpretation of beauty and how beauty transcends the physical realm, impacting us beyond the tactile, the project goes beyond merely creating art and is a journey of self-discovery and an exploration of the multifaceted nature of beauty.
When beginning this project, I had hoped to construct an armor-like mask inspired by the warfare of Mycenaean culture. I opted for yarn as the primary medium, hoping that wrapping it around a wire structure would provide a full, solid appearance despite the softness and delicateness of yarn itself. I believe the change to yarn, specifically that of the color white, made my final product appear angelic-like, evoking innocence, softness, and purity. This contrasted with my intention of the design: to look seemingly strong, masculine, and as if it were something a warrior would don during battle. Despite this, I do like the unintended juxtaposing this process yielded.