Masked Identity: Faces of Destruction

Zacharie Ruhter

Masked Identity: Faces of Destruction reveals an apocalyptic scenario in which humanity is divided into various socio-economic stations through necessary masking, stripping away individual identities to the detriment of society. In order to survive an atmospheric catastrophe, different social classes were forced to work with the skill sets and resources they had. Soon each group developed their own characteristics, revealing deeper symbolism that mirrors a type of masking experienced in today’s culture. The severance of communities led to the breakdown of civilization, repeating the cycle of destruction of past historical empires; a cautionary lesson we should heed.
The scarce resources of the Deprived proletariats required them to tap into their innovative, creative mindset, repurposing found objects to create protective masks from a toxic atmosphere. These shroud-like masks conceal all human features resulting in the appearance of an eerie sub-human creature, representing the struggle of dehumanization that inherently coincides with this deprived station in society. Similar to the proletariats, the Laborers masks have few features but are oriented towards functionality and durability. They represent the ideology of the workers who are consumed with endless labor, revealing only shadows of what is behind the mask. In contrast to the previous divisions, the masks of the Aristocrats are representative of a class that is controlled by those with limitless resources who preserve the facade expected of social hierarchy. Having a human-like appearance, each mask conveys a unique image of perfection to impress and influence others, epitomizing aristocracy. Alongside these stations are the Militant Peacekeepers whose faction’s creed focuses on law and order, but they struggle to prevent anarchy in a fraying civilization. The helmets embody the strength and perseverance of this vital part of society. 
Masking Identity: Faces of Destruction conveys a narrative of survival that demanded the sacrifice of individual identity; replacing it with socio-economic categories that divided and ultimately ruptured society. A painting depicts the scenario brought on by the identity-erasing masks. The dehumanization and struggle to survive experienced by the Deprived and Laborers preceded conflict and ruin represented by the crumbling buildings. The surreal urban landscape pushes the boundaries of beauty in the midst of destruction and hardship, causing the viewer to experience conflicted feelings about the imagery. While exposing the destructive element of obscuring individuality through the painting, the masks bring awareness to the symbolic “masking” that exists in present day culture: The pretense of perfection by the elite Aristocrats; the facade of strength and power that conceals the fatigue of law-enforcement, a/k/a Militant Peacekeeper; the overwhelmed Laborers struggling to provide, devoid of the privilege of focusing on themselves; and the Deprived of society that risk being categorized, dehumanized and discarded. My goal for this exhibit is to create an experience for the viewer that challenges them to self-reflect on what masks they don, and the ramifications to their own identity and society at large.