Celia Furt, The Balinese Mask Maker (Doco/Photojournalism (2019))

Performing with a mask whether it is Balinese, Italian, Japanese or African brings out the inner and outer strengths and emotions of an actor. No hiding. A mask abolishes lies, psychological borders and comfort zones. It frees the actor, gives him/her power and vulnerability to explore depths and layers of his/her personality that were not discovered before. It also lays out in the open our untouched and unrevealed sacred nature. In Bali, spirituality, mask performances, dances, are embedded in every day life. Offerings are made several times a day to the gods/spirits whatever the location. The Barong Dance can be watched in a temple, restaurant or in someone's house. Despite the process of revelation of a character's mask through the body, mind and soul of an actor being intimate and private, the making of masks can be more reachable. I was fortunate enough to attend a mask making session with improvised performances. So blessed was I!

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.