This week, I look at the endless fascination we have with the human face and the myriad ways it can be transformed.
Geometry of the Human Face
Maori woman, Rotorua, New Zealand
Arthur James Iles (1870 - 1943) (New Zealander)
Ainu, probably early 20th century, Hokkaido, Japan
Beau Dickis one of the Northwest Coast’s most versatile and talented carvers. For more than three decades, he has actively perpetuated the ceremonial traditions of his people, the Kwakwaka’wakw. […]
A carver who takes much of his inspiration and technique from traditional Kwakwaka’wakw art, Beau’s work has been particularly noted for its embrace of contemporary influences, often incorporating European and Asian styles into his creations. His masks in particular have been lauded for their rough yet realistic presentation, representing a piece that is both austere yet incredibly life-like. As the artist himself has put it:
“My style is sometimes referred to as “Potlatch Style” as it comes from a tradition of ceremony which requires many masks to be made in a short period of time. It takes many years of practice and an understanding of balance in order to create a work that is appears finished in a natural and instinctive manner, without seeming overthought.” […]
Japanese American ID Badge for Sakae Ikemoto, (1941 -1945)
Tule Lake Relocation Center
Black Swan by Tamar Levine
Fedora man and mask
Le Petit Écho de la Mode - 26 septembre 1937
Kodachrome Slide of a Man in Hospital 1957
Space Action Comic Book, c. 1940s
Unidentified Maori woman holding a patu, [190-?]
Half-length seated portrait of an unidentified Maori woman holding a patu. She has short close cropped hair decorated with a feather. A tiki hangs around her neck and she wears (shark?) tooth eardrops on ribbons. She has a chin moko and is wrapped in a pake (rain cape). Photograph taken circa 190-? for the New Zealand Tourist and Publicity Department by an unidentified photographer.
Portrait of Man by Koos Breukel
19th century portrait of man with bandages
Damaged painting of Abraham Lincoln, c. 1930s
Collection of John Foster
Man with Mask
Plaster head that had been left outside for decades, c. 1950
Collection of John Foster
Lobster man
Mexican Wrestler
Bulgarian bride masks her blushes
