Artistic face masks reflect the Covid-19 pandemic, Hong Kong politics and life
- Theatrical costume designer Edmond Kok may be out of work, but he’s busy making artistic face masks
- More statements than items of personal safety, his 170 decorative face masks symbolise the pandemic and political struggles in Hong Kong
In one of Edmond Kok’s creations, a 3D visualisation of a spiky coronavirus bursts out of a face mask. Another mask uses a plastic takeaway container to remind people of the environmental cost of food deliveries.
A design inspired by a Thai temple symbolises people missing their favourite holiday destinations because of travel restrictions.
A Hong Kong actor and costume designer, Kok has had little theatre work during the pandemic but found creative opportunity in the now ubiquitous face mask.
He has crafted more than 170 masks, inspired by the pandemic and Hong Kong’s political problems.
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One creative mask a day: Hong Kong theatre costume designer documents life during the pandemic
They’re not worn as personal protection, but as pieces of art.
A mock gloved hand covers one mask, illustrating the struggle to express one’s voice freely. A security camera represents a fear of surveillance, and eyeballs, a fear of being watched or censored.
“I really want to document different things that happened in our lives,” Kok said.
After the pandemic ends, Kok hopes he and others will revisit their experiences through his masks. He has posted photos of them on Instagram and other social media platforms.
