This mask was made during my undergraduate degree and ultimately used in the video piece 'scream if you wanna go faster'. Inspired by the ‘trollface’ meme, the mischievous expression of the mask is intended to embody the antagonistic, logic defying characteristics of an internet troll. Similarly, the enigmatic cardboard sign confront the viewer prompting bafflement and defensiveness. Recontextualised in a real world, urban setting, this photo series evokes the ever-present threat of emotional turmoil provoked by online discourse and an attachment to social media.
The mask itself is built around a bike helmet. It was carved out of upholstery foam, hard coated with papier mache and painted with acrylic. this was my first experience creating a mask of this scale and prompted me to consider the use of lightweight materials and internal straps to ensure it was wearable.