Victor Young / Myth and Image

Masks: Masks are not ornamental. I will never believe that they are. They are absolutely functional. In that sense, I suppose they cannot be considered fine art. But equally clearly they are more than craft. This then, puts masks in a particular category along with the petroglyphs of cave art, magical objects, and some religious art. Masks have a special function, an intent to enable and transform. When someone puts on a mask, he or she intends to become someone or something else, whether in play or in serious intent. In that transformation the person intends to gain power or insight.