Medium: Oil paint on wood, polymer clay, acrylic paint, and cardboard

(26 in x 20 in)

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Expose is a participatory piece where the audience must “demask” the figure to get the full picture. It is meant to represent how it may be difficult to be one’s true self after having grown accustomed to social camouflage.

 

The guiding question for this piece was: “How can I portray the deep fear, shame, and relief associated with both hiding oneself and being seen?” I wanted to use the deer head as a representation of “otherness,” and the ears and antlers as qualities that can never be fully hidden. The mask being removable allows the viewer to interact with the work. Additionally, the mask being in two portions forces the viewer to acknowledge how separating oneself from the mask is harder than a singular motion.