Paper Short Abstract:

This paper aims to observe the usage of masks in contemporary (mainly urban) settings, with a focus on underground and performative environments. As a main objective, this research will offer an overview on the socio-cultural and symbolic aspects of contemporary masking, in comparison with the traditional aspects of the practice.

Paper Abstract:

Masking is an universal practice, with various functions attached to it, spanning from cultural and performative, to utilitarian and ritualistic. In this paper I aim to observe a number of contemporary uses of masks, such as art performances, professional wrestling or simply decoration and marketing. The endeavor proposes a pop-culture perspective applied to a practice rooted in tradition. The common trait that I am going to follow is the process of identity building through the usage of masks and its implicatures, both concerning the user of the mask and the mask itself. Stemming from Goffman's theory of presenting of the Self I intend to observe the way the Mask and the Masked manage to transgress and innovate on what identity means. This will give an insight on the meanings and experiences of wearing a mask in a modern context.

At the same time, building on the erosion of the folk mask, which was meant to be worn in ritual settings, I intend to observe the way these new paradigms affected the traditional use of the mask, and the way these contrasting aspects of traditional and contemporary can coexist.