Mask on: Face coverings from designers around the world

HAD IT not been for the Covid-19 pandemic, there would have been no need for Clothing the Pandemic: A Virtual Exhibition of Covid-19 Face Masks from Around the World. Since 2020, people around the world have been wearing face masks to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The face mask has also become the pandemic's iconic symbol, representing humanity's resilience, community and unity.

Organised by the International Committee for Museums and Collections of Costume, the virtual exhibition spearheaded by the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada, showcases over 100 face masks collected by museum curators in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and Oceania. The collection thus documents the material culture of the pandemic from 2020 to 2021.

Some key museums that are taking part include the British Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum; from Singapore, the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is showcasing 6 masks.

The entire collection is divided into 6 themes, including Fashion & Pop Culture, Art & Intervention and Politics & Protest.

The ACM said this exhibition highlights the role of museum collections as sources of inspiration, and that the masks in particular, document this key moment of contemporary history and the world's unity in combating the virus.

Goldfish mask by Raymond Wong

When fashionistas step out of their home, they want to wear a mask that would match their outfit, such as this Goldfish Mask. Raymond Wong, a Peranakan beadworks maker, designed this hand-embroidered mask using silk and glass beads. The goldfish symbolises abundance and good luck in Peranakan and Chinese culture.

Butterfly People mask by Rahul Mishra

Not a mask suited for daily wear, this Butterfly People mask will definitely turn heads.

Indian fashion designer Rahul Mishra says the butterflies around the mask represent the symbiotic relationship between him and his artisans. His creations help keep artisans employed amid India's severe unemployment situation.

Andrew Gn mask by Andrew Gn

Paris-based Singaporean designer Andrew Gn's attention to exquisite craftsmanship can be seen in this hand-embroidered silk and tulle mask. He chose to make this mask in white to represent optimism and rebirth. This mask was made for a fundraising campaign.

Distance Yourself From Hate mask by Jason Wu

Face masks do not only help keep viruses out, but are worn to make political statements as well. Taiwanese-Canadian designer Jason Wu is among many celebrities who denounce xenophobia with their masks. His "Distance Yourself From Hate mask is a statement against discrimination. Masks with slogans are seen as a voice for the marginalised masses.

Clothing the Pandemic: A Virtual Exhibition of Covid-19 Face Masks from Around the World is at clothingthepandemic.museum till Dec 2022.