Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
Oscar Wilde
Over the years, I've written frequently about masks, in particular, their role in imagery of the nude male form. Masks are frequently used to both disguise and protect, frequently, a model's identity. Some models, although fine with posing naked, prefer to keep their faces hidden. For most, it's not about shame, it's about protecting their families, and especially their careers.
The connection between masks and protection has never been more critical than it has been over the last year. Disguise is no longer the main motivation, it's actually become more a drawback than an advantage. Protection is now paramount, with harm reduction being a necessary rationale.
It's a fascinating contrast to compare the reason so many of us are now wearing masks, and the reason so many horror movie serial butchers slipped slipped one on. Their reason was to cover, their disfigurement, and their goal. They donned to mask to kill, to slaughter, to hurt anyone they came in contact with or got in their way.
Many long time FH recognize the work of FLYFOTO, an artist who's work I've been featuring for over a decade. FLYFOTO's imagery was some of the first holiday images I found, and some of the first I used to celebrate the holidays on the site. I still remember finding FLYFOTO's work at Easter back in 2010, and immediately began following, and featuring his work.
Many are still struggling with the focus on mask wearing, and the changes in the motivation behind it. I always used to find FLYFOTO's mask wearing models, erotically menacing and scary. They were often sexualized depictions of characters who lived in my nightmares. They cause me many sleepless nights, and many trips into my parents bedroom in the middle of the night.
This year, I'm seeing these homicidal executioners a little differently. I wouldn't go so far as to say they're hero's, but they are forward thinkers when it comes to face coverings. Now, you still have to be careful around them, even with their masks firmly attached to their faces. Despite protecting you from one killer, they'll still puncture your organs with their knives and axes without a missing a beat.
