Throwback Thursday: ‘Masquerade’ by JM Landels

My paste-soaked fingers smooth the broad jaw of the Bauta mask, pressing out bubbles and creases. I add another layer of mâché to the arched brow ridges and furrow the groove below the high round cheekbones. The Bauta is the perfect shape for Gianni: exaggerated masculinity with a hint of mischief if the eyes are canted just a bit. The day after, when the mâché is dry, I apply plaster and gesso, sanding and smoothing each layer, working subtler qualities of tenderness into the generic male face.

When it comes time to paint, I balk at the green and black diamonds Gianni wanted. With the approach of Venice’s Biennale, I have painted so many diamonds my dreams are paved in parti-colour. Instead I sweep Mars Black along the right side of the face, pressing it hard into the crevices, layer after layer, and counter it with Titanium White on the other half. The red swath under the right brow comes as a surprise, bringing the solemn visage to life.

And yet something still is missing.

“Bella, bella — you will wear that one to the Biennale.”  

It takes me a moment to realize Marcello is not referring to the Bauta. My employer reaches over my shoulder and picks up a textured purple and gold demi-face from the drying shelf. He traces the asymmetric furlings of green, gold, and silver that rise like smoke above the right eye. 

“Like beautiful thoughts, for all the world to see.”