Q:  I make masks and was wondering if you had some suggestions as to how my work could be exhibited and who might be the best people to contact. Here is a link to my website:  I would be happy to send a book of my latest work if you tell me a mailing address.  Alexander, 1015 A:  Though most of our time is spent dealing with ethnographic masks, we are also interested in protective, movie, Halloween, fantasy and fetish masks. This great looking piece falls into another category known as fine art, specifically, modern metal sculpture. I hope you enjoy it.  A http://alexpbard.com/masks/        (email)  abard34@yahoo.com

In Sausalito, CA, there is a mask collector-turned-sculpture by the name of Mort Golub. Though his work is wearable, these masks are made to be collected and displayed. You can read about him and see more of his work at www.mortgolubart.com  Here is a quote from his website… “My particular interests became centered in the masking traditions of the Himalayas. In the early 1990s I began collecting masks from this area, when great masterpieces were still available. Living with such pieces was very revealing, and led me from painting to making sculpture. Many of the ancient broken and discarded objects that I had been collecting as well became incorporated into…

On top is the front and back of a cardboard half-mask promoting the Steeplechase. I don’t know if they were sold or given away as advertising specialties. Below is the painted image on a large metal sign. This Steeplechase Funny Face welcomed visitors to Steeplechase Park, the longest-running amusement park in Coney Island’s history. The grinning red mouth echoes the exaggerated smiles of barkers shouting out attractions to passersby. In some depictions of the Funny Face, such as the one here, the combed hair, parted in the middle, rises to two points suggesting horns, implying that “Steeplechase, the Funny Place” is presided over by a mischievous devil intent on subverting…

I collected this mask of Barack Obama when he first ran for president. It is about time I show it to my viewers, otherwise you might not recognize his young face and dark hair. Also, I want to suggest that collecting celebrity masks might be a lot of fun. These inexpensive plastic masks are readily available in all of the developed countries of the world. In addition to political leaders you could collect other kinds of celebrities as well.

Janina Anderson is the artist who created these wonderful masks. They are more like sculpture, rather than something meant to be worn for ceremony or protection. Here is what she says about her masks. I wanted to make the work as personal and relatable as possible for viewers. There is something about fiber art that is just so great about making those connections with an audience. I think that because of our daily experience with cloth and its connection to the body, we have a really intimate knowledge of textiles. This is a huge tool for me, and I believe it makes my ideas a lot more accessible so that…

  Five experts in masks and other tribal art were kind enough to send us their comments. “This is a dictionary of masking that not only looks at the persona of the mask, but will aid in defining its use, ethnicity and geographical origin.” – Jim Pieper, author of Guatemalan Masking and Guatemalan Folk Saints “Unlike most of the reference books in my library, this one is more about the artistic qualities of folk art, and less prejudiced against invented or decorative objects.” – Bryan Stevens, author of Mexican Masks and Puppets “After reading this book you will have taken your first course in mask collecting. You will be able…

by Robert Ibold and Troy Yohn If you could have only one book on masks, this should be your choice. From old, used traditional masks to modern decoratives, everything is covered. It is truly an encyclopedia of masks. Copies are now available in hardback, soft cover and ebook. If you want to see how we have organized the photos and descriptions of over 1000 collectible masks, please click here.  https://dev.masksoftheworld.com/masks-of-the-world-book/

“Brain injuries caused by blast events change soldiers in ways many can’t articulate. Some use art therapy, creating painted masks to express how they feel. Brain trauma from blast force is the signature injury of the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns, afflicting hundreds of thousands of U.S. combat personnel. Although unseen, the damage strikes deeply into a soldier’s mind and psyche.” This is how a recent article in National Geographic begins. It has lots of pictures of masks made by the recovering soldiers. You can see the whole article by going to http://www.nationalgeographic.com/healing-soldiers/

The Mystery Mask blog’s history is mostly about traditional masks from various ethnic groups around the world. This one is much different. Steampunk is a modern movement that gets some of its inspiration from the writings of Jules Verne and H. G. Wells. It celebrates a sci-fi fantasy of a steam-powered age. There are many other kinds of masks for Halloween, parties, celebrations, parades, decorating or just collecting. There are also masks that cover the face for other reasons. Some protect us from possible injury or sickness and others hide the wearer from recognition. These can be quite old or come from unusual places, others are just part of modern-day…