Emma Brassington: Masked Movement Ritual

Emma Jane Brassington trained as an anthropologist and works as an artist and mask maker. Emma draws from ethnographic experiences and research methods to inform and produce multimedia artworks.

"The multimedia artworks I create identify how ritualistic behaviours create culture and identity. I often use research, writing, and film to create ethnographic studies in the style of early visual anthropologists. For example, film Masked Movement Ritual studied an ethnographic group called the Renodnol (Londoner backward) and analyses the use of facemasks and the daily movements and ritualistic behaviours of (London) commuters. Masks have a central role in my practice and I work to develop my understanding of how different cultures use masks in daily ritual.

I spent one year working with a traditional Balinese mask master, I Made Se Dirga to learn the sacred craft of mask making in Balinese culture. This research was funded by the Culture Attaché at the Indonesian Embassy and has honed my craft in handcarving masks for performance and shows. My research in the ceremonial uses of masks practices has also helped to develop my interest in the psychological elements of masks, from a physical mask to a psychological mask and how they impact on human behaviour.

The current pandemic has meant that the use of facemasks are both a national requirement and part of daily habit. This reflects the increased significance of 'Masked Movement Ritual' and the use of facemasks to 'protect, hide and disguise' one another from external forces. During lockdown, I began to explore materials from around the home including cardboard, bread dough, paper, sticks and leaves in order to teach theoretical concepts of masks and their relevance across cultures. Over the past few months I have begun delivering online tutorials and workshops in theatrical mask making delving into both theoretical notions and the practical aspects of mask making."

You can view more of Emma's work on her website and follow her on Instagram.

CuratorSpace are currently featuring articles by artists, curators and organisations who want to share their experiences of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, whether that is artists using their practice as a way of exploring new boundaries of isolation, or as a way to connect more broadly with their communities. We are also interested in hearing from curators and organisations who are offering support to artists and audiences during this time.

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