Identity Revealed - a filmed triptych by Ellis Faas

De Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam commissioned this film by makeup artist/photographer/filmmaker Ellis Faas, asking Ellis to draw inspiration from traditional masks from the Ivory Coast.

Ellis explains her approach:
"Since ancient times, humans have been using masks - in order to express power and authority; to feel self-confident; to stand out or to hide behind; to not be recognised and disappear into the masses. Not only by traditional masks, but also by disguising and ornamental elements such as clothing, jewellery, hair and makeup. But can one truly change one's identity, or is it merely a temporary transformation? And who or what defines someone's true identity? Is it the mask, is it the human being behind the mask, or maybe even the creator of the mask?"

I found the video extremely eerie, due to the dark background and the music that was being played, I also thought the way in which the models were moving very unusual and unnerving. I also thought that some of the looks Ellis Faas created were actually quite scary but in a hidden sense; for example, I found that 2 of the looks reminded me of a gas mask used in the World War... 

The masks that completely covered the whole face were the ones that creeped me out the most, because you do not have any idea who that person is or what they look like - everything that you would potentially judge someone on has been taken away, so this left me feeling slightly on edge. 

Initially, from just watching the video (and not reading the meaning behind it) I did not necessarily understand the concept, but upon reading the information, everything became much clearer and I found the video very intriguing and interesting once I understood. I liked the way she explored different elements, for example, she used wires and 3D objects to create a mask, not just make-up, and I was very impressed with all the different looks she was able to come up with. Also, I think she was very clever with the concept she was trying to portray, because there is no direct answer to the questions she is asking, and different people will believe different things, so she is opening the subject up for discussion. 

Furthermore, I believe the concept is very contemporary because of the looks she creates and diversity she uses, as well as the fact that fakery and 'masks' are arguably often used by people in today's society... 

Reference: http://vimeo.com/109956784