BACKGROUND STORY
‘Masks of fear’ is a collection exploring the theme of an emerging new political world order.
I am keen explore and understand how such prominent world leaders, who are supposedly appointed to represent their people, can become so biased and blase. And what it is that is driving their campaigns of fear? This is the question that drove these darkly satirical pop-art portraits.
The collection conveys Trump’s xenophobic traits against Mexicans and other targeted ethnic groups, Kim Jung-un’s deep resentment for western society, and Putin’s views on the LGBH community and the infamous Pussy Riot movement.
The introduction of masks is a way to show their xenophobic and seemingly sadistic traits. The use of neon colours was used to draw people closer – once close, you begin to see hints of metallic gold that reminds us of their wealth and power.
With a flood of people becoming engaged with politics this year [2016], Masks of Fear is not just intended as a zeitgeist piece, but a talking piece that hopefully will not only one day be snapshot of a moment in history, but will help shape it.