The Mask is the New Face.

Always present in every society, often used as a means of connection with the divine, the mask has now become an engaging and confronting fetish and trend, a fear; straddling fashion and art, for a game in which being and appearing are reversed and alternated.

We explore these, and related themes in UnMasked. UnMasked features new body-centred technologies, creating a shape-shifting dialogue between Sharka Bosakova’s 3D printed performative objects and the body landscape.

UnMasked creates a rich and engaging space which will stimulate self awareness, question norms and enhance our understanding of how masks define and outline our social engagement and embodied selfhood in the age of the #Selfie and post COVID-19.

UnMasked: Public Program

UnMasked project offers a critical insight into our current relationship with masks, what it means to unmask, and the effect of masks on our identity.

Through a comprehensive public engagement program of masterclasses, demonstrations, workshops, performances, art talks and other avenues of interaction, Unmasked aims to create a safe and shared space that encourages and facilitates self-expression and self-reflection, personal connections, exchange and collaborative opportunities.

UnMasked: A Collaboration

UnMasked is a creative project of Sharka Bosakova, and a growing number of collaborators as the Exhibition travels to different locations creating new connections and possibilities for performers, musicians, writers and storytellers, visual storytellers, thinkers, educators, supporters, and friends.

Our collaborators include – Dr Mark Bahnisch, Dr Tinni Choudhury, Thomas Oliver, Golda Guido, Megan Janet White + RAW Bodies, Dorian Dowse, Paul Young, Robert Lort, Ruby Donohoe, Dr Michael Norris, Gemma Wright, Erin O’Rourke.

We are extremely grateful to Australian Government, Regional Arts Australia and Flying Arts Alliance, Arts Queensland through Metro Arts for funding from the StART grant programme, and also the wonderful help and generous support from QCA Griffith University and Councillor Jonathan Sri (The Gabba Ward) Lord Mayor Community Fund, Logan City Council, and the Logan Art Gallery staff. The Gympie Reginal Council, Gympie Regional Gallery staff, Sunshine Coast Council, Arts Coast and the Butter Factory Art Center Cooroy.

Thank you also to Kevin Willson, Joseph Burgess, Doug Kwok, Print Systems Australia, Snap Factory.

UnMasked Interview Acquired by John Oxley Library – 2024

We are proud to announce that the UnMasked interview with Rebecca MacIntosh has been selected by the John Oxley Library as part of their curated digital collection. Out of over 650 interviews conducted over the past 7 years, 70 have been chosen for their cultural and historical significance. These interviews provide invaluable insight into Brisbane and Queensland’s evolving arts scene, featuring prominent artists, producers, performers, and curators across Visual Arts, Theatre, Opera, Music, Circus, and Dance. This collection allows viewers to trace the cultural evolution of the city, witnessing the moments when groundbreaking works were created and the relationships that shaped them.

Brisbane Portrait Prize 2023 – Finalist

The UnMasked _ Hollows and Thorns image, photographed by Sharka Bosakova in collaboration with BUTOH dancer Megan Janet White, is a finalist for the Brisbane Portrait Prize 2023. We are grateful for the continuous recognition of the UnMasked project.

Brisbane Portrait Prize 2022 – Finalist

The UnMasked image, photographed by Thomas Oliver, is a finalist for the Brisbane Portrait Prize 2022. We are grateful for the continuous recognition of the collaborative image that examines the way masks are used.

Sunshine Coast Art Prize 2020 – Finalist

The UnMasked image, photographed by Thomas Oliver, is a finalist for the Sunshine Coast Art Prize 2020. It’s a striking image that is a centrepiece of our UnMasked Project.