Face of Others

This work continues the exploration of identity, with a focus on the social masks we wear and the influence of external perception. The central female figure holds a mask composed of fragmented facial features — eyes, lips, noses — symbolising how our identity is often constructed from external influences, social roles, and imposed ideals. The hand holding the mask suggests an attempt to control this narrative, yet the true self remains obscured beneath the surface. By using glossy magazine cut-outs, I reference the fashion and media industries, which frequently dictate our sense of appearance, value, and self-worth. The collage reflects on the challenge of self-definition in a world shaped by cultural expectations, beauty standards, and social comparison. It invites viewers to examine how much of themselves is authentic and how much is borrowed from others’ perceptions. Through layering, texture, and juxtaposition of images, the work communicates tension, self-reflection, and the desire to reclaim personal identity amidst societal pressures. This piece is both a critique and a meditation on individuality, authenticity, and the interplay between inner life and outward presentation.