Persona; A Mask, A Façade
The Research Journal: Introduction to Persona (The origin and history)
The original/social definition
The term “persona” originates from the Latin language. In ancient Roman theater, a “persona” referred to a mask worn by actors to portray different characters in theatrical performances. The Latin word “persona” itself is derived from “personare,” which means “to sound through” or “to speak through.” This concept of wearing masks and adopting different roles eventually evolved to encompass the broader idea of the social roles and identities that individuals present in various contexts. Over time, “persona” came to represent the outward image, behaviors, and characteristics that people display to others, not only in theatrical settings but also in everyday life. The opposition of one’s true self is a persona. A persona pertains to the image or character that an individual showcases in public or within a particular environment, distinct from their authentic identity.
The Psychological Definition
The term ‘persona’ itself is particularly employed in the context of a “public persona,” which signifies the demeanor an individual displays to the public and becomes widely recognized by the majority. The term is commonly employed when discussing public figures, particularly politicians and celebrities, to juxtapose their authentic nature. For instance, a public persona might be characterized as sociable and extroverted, while the actual genuine personality remains introverted and reserved.
Particularly in psychology, this phenomenon is referred to the identity that a person takes on to fit into or adapt to the outside social world or to certain situations _ their ‘mask’ or ‘façade’. The concept of persona was popularized by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, who used it to describe the outward personality that individuals develop as a means of adapting to societal norms and expectations. He believed that everyone has both a conscious aspect (the persona) and an unconscious aspect (the true self) that interact with each other.
The persona can vary from situation to situation; for example, someone might present a different persona at work compared to when they’re with close friends or family. It’s a way of managing social interactions and protecting one’s inner self, but it can also lead to a sense of disconnection if the persona becomes too distant from the true self.
Jung’s concept of persona is often used in discussions about identity, self-discovery, and understanding the different layers of an individual’s personality.
The Literary definition
In literature, a “persona” refers to the fictional character or narrator that an author creates to tell a story, convey a perspective, or express certain emotions within a work of literature. The persona is not the author themselves but a constructed identity through which the author communicates with the reader. It’s a literary device used to shape the narrative voice and provide a specific point of view.
The persona can take on various forms and serve different purposes in literature:
First-Person Persona: When the narrator of a story speaks from their own perspective using “I” or “we,” they are assuming a first-person persona. This allows readers to experience the events of the story from the narrator’s personal viewpoint.
Third-Person Persona: In this case, the narrator is not a character within the story but an external entity observing and describing the characters and events. The third-person persona can be omniscient (knowing everything about the characters) or limited (knowing only the thoughts and feelings of specific characters).
Unreliable Persona: Sometimes, authors intentionally create narrators or characters who are unreliable in their narration or perception of events. This adds complexity and intrigue to the story, as readers must decipher the truth amidst the narrator’s biases or misunderstandings.
Dramatic Persona: In dramatic works like plays or scripts, characters assume personas through their dialogue and actions. The way they speak, interact, and express themselves defines their personas, which contribute to the overall themes and conflicts of the work.
Poetic Persona: In poetry, the persona is the speaker within the poem. Poets often adopt different personas to explore various emotions, themes, or perspectives, allowing them to convey ideas in unique and creative ways
Overall, the persona in literature is a tool that authors use to shape the narrative, influence the reader’s experience, and convey their intended themes and messages. It adds depth to characters and narratives, allowing for a diverse range of voices and viewpoints to be presented within a single work.
The manipulation of perspective through the use of different personas can have a powerful impact on how readers perceive and interpret a story. By adopting a specific persona, the narrator or character becomes a lens through which the story is filtered. Readers experience events, emotions, and ideas through this lens, which can heavily influence their understanding of the story. Different personas can highlight certain details and downplay others, ultimately guiding readers’ attention and interpretation. which is why it was significant to highlight the literary meaning/definition of the word persona itself.
Persona is Art?
The role of persona in the realm of art is a dynamic and intriguing concept. Just as in literature, the notion of persona in art pertains to the deliberate construction of a character or identity that an artist adopts to convey a particular message, evoke specific emotions, or explore a distinct perspective within their artistic work. This persona serves as a creative mask that allows artists to channel their thoughts, experiences, and artistic vision through a defined lens.
Artists often utilize personas as a means of expressing concepts that might differ from their personal identity or beliefs. By assuming a persona, they can step into the shoes of a fictional or altered character, transcending their own limitations and embracing various viewpoints. This approach provides a degree of artistic freedom and allows for the exploration of themes that might otherwise remain uncharted.
Just as a mask can hide or reveal facets of the wearer’s identity, a persona in art can function as a mask that both conceals and reveals truths. It may serve to obscure the artist’s intentions, leaving room for interpretation, or it might act as a window into the artist’s soul, providing an intimate glimpse into their inner world.
The use of persona in art is also closely tied to the concept of performance art, where artists adopt roles and personas during live performances. This blurring of lines between art and reality can be captivating for audiences, creating a unique and immersive experience that challenges conventional boundaries.
In essence, the employment of persona in art allows artists to navigate the intricate interplay between authenticity and creativity. It permits them to experiment with diverse perspectives, engage with their audience on different levels, and evoke emotions that might not be as accessible through their personal identity alone. This artistic duality enriches the world of art, providing a space where both the artist and the audience can explore the multifaceted nature of human expression.
An Insight into, ‘The Art of Persona’ (by Tate Modern)
“What role does a persona play in the lives we lead and the art we make?
We speak to artists, performers and DJs who use a form of persona in their work.
Experimenting with our persona can be a way to learn about ourselves and the world. But do we always know where the performance starts and when it stops?
The podcast is presented by Sandra Jean Pierre. Featuring artist Rosa Johan Uddoh, performer and activist Lewis G Burton, Scary Things hosts DJ Bempah & JK, choreographer and performer Holly Beasley Garrigan and magazine editor Bob Colacello.
The Art of Persona is a Falling Tree production for Tate, produced by Hannah Dean and Sandra Jean Pierre. With additional music by Sleep Eaters, Keel Her and Black Manila. Special thanks for Snaketown Records”.
Artists Who have famously worked with the concept of ‘Masks’ and ‘Personas’
Cindy Sherman: Known for her elaborate self-portraits, photographer Cindy Sherman assumes various personas in her work. She meticulously stages scenes and transforms herself using costumes, makeup, and props to challenge notions of identity, gender, and societal roles.
Andy Warhol: The iconic pop artist Andy Warhol often explored themes of fame, consumerism, and celebrity culture through his art. His series of portraits, including the famous Marilyn Monroe prints, can be seen as a commentary on how personas are constructed and commodified in the media.
Pablo Picasso: Picasso’s art often involved a constant reinvention of style and form. His different artistic periods, such as Cubism, Blue Period, and Rose Period, can be seen as different artistic personas he adopted to express various emotions and ideas.
Salvador Dalí: The surrealist artist Salvador Dalí frequently used surreal and dreamlike imagery in his work. He played with the distortion of reality, blurring the lines between the conscious and unconscious, creating a persona of an eccentric and imaginative artist.
The intricate connection between personas and physical masks.
The relationship between actual physical masks and people’s personas is a fascinating exploration of how external appearances and symbolic representations can shape and influence how individuals present themselves to the world. Here’s some information to help you understand this relationship:
Symbolism and Concealment: Physical masks have been used throughout history in various cultures for ceremonial, ritualistic, theatrical, and even practical purposes. In many cases, masks serve as symbols of transformation, allowing wearers to temporarily adopt a different identity or embody a specific character. This transformation can extend to the persona they project while wearing the mask.
Anonymity and Freedom: Wearing a physical mask can provide a sense of anonymity, allowing individuals to express themselves or engage in behaviors they might not feel comfortable doing without the mask. This anonymity can lead to a sense of liberation, enabling people to explore different facets of their personality that they might keep hidden in their everyday life.
Projection of Traits: Masks often amplify certain traits or emotions. People may choose masks that reflect characteristics they want to emphasize, which can influence how they interact with others while wearing the mask. This projection of traits can contribute to the development of a persona that aligns with the mask’s symbolism.
Cultural and Social Significance: Different cultures have used masks for ceremonial purposes, such as in rituals, dances, and performances. These masks can represent deities, ancestors, or archetypal figures. When individuals wear such masks, they may feel a connection to the cultural narratives associated with those symbols, influencing their behavior and persona accordingly.
Persona as a Performance: Just as actors take on roles when wearing theatrical masks, people may adopt personas when wearing masks in social settings. The mask becomes a tool for creating a distinct identity, allowing individuals to interact in ways that might be different from their everyday behavior.
Emotional Expression: Masks can serve as a medium for expressing emotions that might be difficult to convey directly. A sad or joyful mask, for instance, can communicate feelings more visibly than facial expressions alone. This emotional communication can contribute to the persona projected while wearing the mask.
Artistic Expression: Some individuals create and wear elaborate masks as a form of artistic expression. These masks can be extensions of their inner thoughts, emotions, and creative ideas. The act of wearing an artistically crafted mask can enable the wearer to embody their artistic vision and persona.
In summary, the relationship between physical masks and personas is intricate and multidimensional. Masks can influence how individuals project themselves, interact with others, and even explore hidden aspects of their personality. The act of wearing a mask can transform the wearer’s behavior, allowing them to embody different traits and engage with the world from a unique perspective.
The historical evolution of masks since the dawn of humanity
The historical evolution of face masks spans cultures and centuries, shaped by a myriad of purposes ranging from ceremonial rituals to medical necessity. Here’s an overview of the history of face masks:
Ancient Civilizations: Masks have ancient origins, with evidence of their use found in various cultures. In ancient Egypt, masks were used in religious ceremonies and funerals to represent gods and protect the deceased. Similarly, in ancient Greece, masks were worn by actors in theater to portray different characters and emotions.
Ceremonial and Spiritual Significance: Many indigenous cultures used masks in rituals and ceremonies to connect with spirits, ancestors, or deities. Masks played a crucial role in conveying cultural narratives, traditions, and mythologies.
Medical Protection: In the 17th century, during outbreaks of plague, doctors began wearing beak-like masks filled with aromatic substances to ward off disease. These masks evolved into the iconic plague doctor masks, which featured long beaks filled with herbs and spices.
Venetian Carnival Masks: The Venetian Carnival, dating back to the Middle Ages, popularized the use of decorative masks for social events. The masks allowed people to enjoy anonymity and engage in festive revelry without revealing their identity.
Masked Balls and Masquerades: In European societies, masked balls and masquerades became fashionable during the 18th and 19th centuries. These events provided an opportunity for social mingling and flirtation while hidden behind elaborate masks.
Theatrical Performances: Masks have been integral to theatrical performances in many cultures. Ancient Greek theater used masks to convey emotions and characters, and traditional Japanese Noh and Kabuki theater also employ masks to symbolize specific roles.
Protection in War and Medicine: Masks found use in various practical settings. During World War I, gas masks were developed to protect soldiers from chemical warfare. In modern times, face masks have become essential in medical settings for preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
Artistic Expression: Masks have been embraced by artists and artisans as a medium for creative expression. African, Oceanic, and Indigenous art often feature masks that hold cultural and aesthetic significance.
Pop Culture and Fashion: In recent decades, masks have taken on new meanings. Masks have been adopted as fashion accessories, reflecting personal style and statements. Additionally, masks have become symbolic in protest movements, such as the Guy Fawkes mask in the Occupy and Anonymous movements.
Pandemics and Public Health: The COVID-19 pandemic in the early 21st century brought face masks back to the forefront as a crucial tool in preventing the spread of the virus. Wearing masks became a global practice to protect public health.
Throughout history, face masks have played diverse roles, encompassing spiritual, cultural, artistic, protective, and social functions. They serve as a testament to humanity’s adaptability and creativity in utilizing a simple object for a multitude of purposes across different times and cultures.
The blog will further expand to delve into the realm of movies that capture my attention, focusing on those that revolve around masks and personas. It will commence by exploring the motives behind incorporating masks in cinematic creations and the functions they serve within a film’s narrative. Additionally, the blog will examine the significance of masks in movies and probe into the way masked disguises can reveal profound layers of a character’s psyche.
Hiding identities, misleading the viewer for good or evil motives: the mask has a long history in movies. In the silent movie era, masked heroes were a frequent and beloved presence among audiences, appearing in various genres such as horror, crime films, and even comedies. As “talkie” films emerged, some continued to showcase characters with facial coverings, often achieving great success. For instance, in 1929, the film “The Iron Mask,” starring Douglas Fairbanks, introduced a daring hero who wore a mask. Another rendition of the same story, inspired by the French prisoner tale penned by author Alexandre Dumas, graced the silver screen in 1939.
Masks serve various purposes, including camouflage and deception, even when employed by the virtuous characters. The hero is frequently depicted as an individual who, either out of humility or to conceal a facial imperfection, dons a mask before embarking on acts of heroism.
One of the notable early instances of this practice can be found in the 1920 film “The Mark of Zorro,” in which a sword-wielding vigilante safeguards the inhabitants of California during a bygone era.
Moreover, the movie, “The Mask,” a 1994 film featuring Jim Carrey as the main character who, after discovering a magical mask, gains superhuman abilities and transforms into a zany, mischievous character with cartoon-like antics. the movie portrays the mask as Empowerment, When worn, the mask grants the wearer incredible superhuman abilities, including enhanced strength, agility, and the ability to perform outrageous physical feats. This transformation empowers the protagonist, Stanley Ipkiss, allowing him to become a charismatic and confident figure. it is also considered an expression of inner desires as the mask brings out the wearer’s innermost desires and personality traits, often amplifying them to an extreme degree. For Stanley Ipkiss, who is initially a timid and reserved bank clerk, the mask allows him to express his hidden desires and inhibitions.
Furthermore, it adds a comedic element: The mask serves as a comedic device, leading to hilarious and over-the-top situations. Jim Carrey’s performance as the character under the mask is characterized by slapstick humor and exaggerated facial expressions, which contribute to the film’s comedic appeal and of course, add conflict and moral dilemma to help aid the storyline. The mask creates a conflict within the protagonist as he grapples with the temptation to use its power for personal gain versus using it for noble purposes. This internal struggle adds depth to the character and drives the plot.
In summary, the mask in “The Mask” symbolizes empowerment, self-expression, comedic elements, internal conflict, and entertainment, all of which contribute to the film’s unique and memorable storyline.
moving on Horror movies are particularly known for their mask-wearing antagonist. One of the highest-grossing films in this genre was Wes Craven’s Scream, featuring a serial killer wearing a cheap ghost mask while on his rampage. Few can forget the antagonist of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Leatherface, who wears a mask made of human skins — perhaps one of the most frightening mask uses in film history. Masks are also sometimes used to hide abnormalities, such as in The Elephant Man by David Lynch, which tells the story of a severely deformed man in late 19th-century London, or in The Phantom of the Opera, where the disfigured Phantom also uses a mask to conceal his face.
These past days, the masks we wear serve as protection against the environment around us during the COVID-19 outbreak, or against air pollution. The same is true in some films, where masks are worn as a survival tool. In the 1931 Austrian film Comradeship, masks protect people during a mining accident rescue mission. Another film that hits quite close to home these days is Steven Soderbergh’s Contagion, which describes a fictional pandemic that took place almost a decade ago. Naturally, masks play an important role in the film, just as they do in the world around us now.
In an almost post-pandemic world, masks have taken on a new significance as they offer audiences an immediate glimpse into a character’s personality based on their choice of mask. This is exemplified in Rian Johnson’s recent release, “Glass Onion,” which serves as a sequel to the popular detective film “Knives Out,” released just three years prior. An intriguing aspect of “Glass Onion,” set against the backdrop of the pandemic, is the utilization of face masks in one of its opening scenes.
Rian Johnson, the director of the Netflix original movie “Glass Onion,” commented on this phenomenon, noting, “Something I just think all of us experienced [was] the notion of defining people’s personalities based on their choice of mask wear.” He explained during an interview with Vanity Fair that he penned “Glass Onion” in 2020, a time when society was grappling with the dominance of COVID-19. In developing the characters’ personas, Johnson and costume designer Jenny Eagan meticulously crafted a wardrobe that incorporated masks, albeit briefly, to effectively convey each character’s personality.
Despite their brief appearance in the film, Johnson acknowledged that directing scenes with masks posed a unique challenge when it came to establishing connections with the actors during filming.
“Being an audience for the actors is such a huge part [of filming]; literally just seeing you smiling at a joke they’re doing or laughing or being back behind [the camera]. So it’s very tough with a mask,” he said in his interview with Vanity Fair.
The simplicity of giving each character defining masks allowed the audience to take in the characters under their own stereotypes and gain a fuller grasp of the person they were watching on the screen. For example, Birdie Jay, played by Kate Hudson, arrives in the scene wearing a metal mesh mask, a clear nod at the controversy Lana Del Rey stirred when she wore the same. For many audience members, this immediately made them either resent her or celebrate her rebellion to the mandates of proper masking. Her character is quickly defined as being an ignorant celebrity, which makes her either loved or hated by the viewers.
These are the films and articles I believed were worth highlighting when emphasizing the importance of masks in both real-life and fictional contexts and these examples provide valuable insights into how masks can convey various themes and messages in different settings/situations.
Apprenticeship
Born in 1974 in Lahore, Imran Ahmad Khan is a notable visual artist from Pakistan. His artistic endeavors frequently encompass mechanical elements, while his thematic inspiration stems from the vibrant chaos of Lahore city. This inspiration seamlessly brings forth the city’s tension-laden contemporary atmosphere as well as the remnants of its colonial history. Since 2000, Khan has established a creative approach that involves collecting discarded items from the urban landscape. Through adept utilization and transformation of these objects, he meticulously dissects the fragmented mechanisms of the political, economic, and societal realms prevalent in his surroundings. Imran’s upbringing in a Lahore locale renowned for traditional crafts and small-scale industries primarily rooted in recycling practices has significantly influenced his artistic techniques and methodologies.
Imran Ahmed Khan is not only a deeply insightful artist but also a skilled artisan with a firm command over diverse artistic techniques involving a range of materials. As I apprentice under his guidance, my aspiration is to absorb valuable lessons about the significance of various materials and their inherent importance. Additionally, I aim to grasp how the unique qualities of these materials can either enhance or diminish the essence of a creative piece.
Guided by his mentorship, I have ventured into and will continue to delve into various markets within Lahore, including Anarkali, Shahalmi Bazaar, Ichra Bazaar, Shadhara, Urdu Bazaar, Branth Road, Bilal Ganj, and more. This exploration is driven by my desire to amass firsthand insights into the intricate processes by which each material is transformed into a distinct work of art or design.
Developing an understanding of materials and actively acquiring them were integral components of my internship with the artist. Through the assembly of materials, engagement in post-market endeavors, and the crafting of items such as intricately designed jewelry or the meticulous engraving of patterns onto stone, or even the sculpting of clay into art forms, this entire process has facilitated a deeper comprehension of the artistry and techniques involved in crafting even the most commonly made and designed artistic pieces.
During the initial week of our internship, we primarily engaged in activities that encouraged us to delve into the world of clay sculptures. We even had the opportunity to create sculptures using what Mr. Khan described as an exotic clay — a dense, grayish clay discovered in Amsterdam. This unique clay has the property of solidifying upon exposure to air but can be easily shaped when heated with warm water.
Following that, we progressed into market research, which led us to Anarkali Bazaar. There, we observed the intricate process of crafting gold and silver jewelry from the very beginning. We witnessed steps such as gold melting, molding, casting, and beadwork, among others. After becoming acquainted with the process, we acquired our own materials and commenced our practice of crafting jewelry in the studio. Personally, I focused on creating rings and necklaces as you may witness in the images attached below. Even though jewelry making may not have a direct impact on my thesis work, working with materials like brass, copper, and silver will undoubtedly be beneficial. It will enable me to gain practical experience in molding, bending, and crafting tangible objects from these materials, which aligns with my thesis practice.
Additionally, towards the latter part of the internship, we had the opportunity to explore the wood carving and stone carving markets located in the Ichra Bazaar. We had the chance to witness skilled craftsmen in action as they actively worked in these markets. Mr. Khan joined us on that particular day to provide insightful explanations and enhance our understanding of the processes involved. We were able to identify and subsequently purchase the necessary carving tools, which would enable us to sustain our studio practice even after the internship and if in the future we would require to get some work done we know where to look for skilled craftsmen to help execute our ideas.
In conclusion, the most valuable aspect of this entire internship experience was the opportunity to familiarize ourselves with various marketplaces, where we could potentially source materials and connect with skilled craftsmen to support our upcoming thesis work in the near future.
Material Collection and studio Experimentation
