Obsessively Imperfect: The Inspiration

My mask is inspired by my own experience with mental health. The colors teal, purple, and blue are the colors for OCD awareness. In the last year, my diagnosis of OCD has impacted my life tremendously, and I hope that others realize how difficult this disorder can be for people. OCD is often misunderstood as perfectionism or an instinct to keep everything organized, but other, less discussed aspects like intrusive thought and rumination are often overlooked. 

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Additionally, I chose this particular mask because of the black blemishes on the right side of the face, which Dr. Johnson affectionately refers to as “birthmarks.” With this project, I wanted to highlight the imperfections in the wood that this mask was carved from by leaving them unpainted. Nobody is perfect. Everyone has something that makes them “imperfect,” and these unique facets of yourself should not be hidden. My deliberate choice to leave these “birthmarks” unpainted should remind everyone that they do not need to hide their imperfections to be seen as perfect; in fact, they should embrace them.

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Tying both themes of my mask together is the Ghanaian Adinkra symbol on the forehead in gold: the fern. In Ghana, the fern represents endurance, a trait that I see represents my experience with OCD as well as with the imperfections that I have frequently tried to hide.

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To contradict the Wawa Aba symbol on Otis, I chose to paint the Hye Won Hye adinkra symbol which symbolizes “that which does not burn”. This symbol of endurance represents overcoming loss and grief and being stronger on the other side. Additionally, horns in West African culture symbolize strength and power. The title Andra is inspired by Andra Day, the black female artist, and her song “Rise Up”. The song encapsulates what I wanted to convey in my mask because her song speaks to the continual push to rise above challenges even when you are broken.