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Psychology of the Mask

Psychology of the Mask: Inner and Outer Dimensions

In the West, masks are often considered little more than props to hide behind or have fun with. But in much of the world they represent powerful forces that safeguard against evil and are conduits for healing and transformation. This dichotomy is seen in the Indonesian word for mask, ‘topeng.’ This borrowed Hokkien (Chinese) term from tò péng means “reverse side” or “wrong side.” Understanding the mask through its hidden dimension seems a peculiar association to an object associated with its outer aesthetic, yet our fascination lies in its illusory appeal. In this talk, Laurie Margot Ross considers the face projected out into the world through the processes of ritual, religion and theatre, and the embodied experiences behind it—including trance, the loss of inhibition and the transmission of emotions between the occupant and onlooker.

About the Speaker

Laurie Margot Ross is a leading expert on the religious and psycho-emotional aspects of masks and visual culture.











When: Wed., Jul. 8, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Where: Rubin Museum of Art
150 W. 17th St.
212-620-5000
Price: $18
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Psychology of the Mask: Inner and Outer Dimensions

In the West, masks are often considered little more than props to hide behind or have fun with. But in much of the world they represent powerful forces that safeguard against evil and are conduits for healing and transformation. This dichotomy is seen in the Indonesian word for mask, ‘topeng.’ This borrowed Hokkien (Chinese) term from tò péng means “reverse side” or “wrong side.” Understanding the mask through its hidden dimension seems a peculiar association to an object associated with its outer aesthetic, yet our fascination lies in its illusory appeal. In this talk, Laurie Margot Ross considers the face projected out into the world through the processes of ritual, religion and theatre, and the embodied experiences behind it—including trance, the loss of inhibition and the transmission of emotions between the occupant and onlooker.

About the Speaker

Laurie Margot Ross is a leading expert on the religious and psycho-emotional aspects of masks and visual culture.

Buy tickets/get more info now