Unmasked

Unmasked By Meg Tennant

Unmasked is the exploration of recycling single-use disposable masks used within covid, with the intention of deconstructing and redefining the purpose of this non-woven material.

Unmasked responds to the overwhelming increase in plastic pollution as a result of disposable face masks being discarded after one use during Covid 19. Masks found on the ground, sitting on fences and next to bins rather than in the bin. All to end up in our domestic waste and filter into landfill, where it then takes another 20 - 30 years to break down.

Human Connection

Disposable masks were not only environmentally damaging but created a barrier between humans and human connection. In a time where social distancing became the norm and face masks were mandatory in confined spaces. Human connection evolved into a translation that was either performed online or at a safe distance covering the mouth, hiding basic human expressions.

Unmasked uses a colour palette that captures and tells a story of human experiences and the emotions that were felt through covid.

Inspiration

Inspired by Jess Meany's loosely tailored quilted jackets made from forgotten textiles. Unmasked combines traditional methods of quilting with modern-day material that is deemed useless.

Unmasked: From Start to Finish.

Using a similar method to Jess Meany's practice, curating a video of the process, to communicate the transformation of the masks into new material and giving it a second life.

Unmasked is a body of work, including various forms of play types and one hero artefact that reflects the transformation of the masks into new material.

The supporting play types work with shape, embroidery, quilting, trimming ideas, melting of masks, and fashion styles. Working within a colour palette that produces different results when manipulated.

Hero Artefact

Unmasked tells the story of human experiences and emotions felt during and post-Covid 19, through a selected colour palette, embroidered facial expressions, masks, human interactions, and hands almost touching, wanting to find an authentic human connection that isn't shared at a safe distance or online.

Unmasked works with contrasting colours and a quirky personality, that is both fun and light-hearted. Breaking away from the never-ending lockdown gloom. Offering a breath of fresh air and welcoming a new change that doesn't judge the mask's old life but embraces its new one.

Captured it its urban environment where a few of the masks were found.

References

MINK MGMT. S. Blais, viewed 20th March 2021 <https://minkmgmt.com/sarah-blais>

M. Rocca 2021, Key emotions map 2021, WGSN, viewed 23rd march 2021 <https://www.wgsn.com/insight/article/90034#page2>

Jess Meany, 2021. '1960's Patchwork Applique Juniper Cropped Coat - small', Jess Meany, viewed 5th May 2021 <https://jessmeany.com/collections/coats/products/1960s-patchwork-appliquejuniper-cropped-coat-small>

Appreciate