Gas masks in modern art?

Question

Ive noticed alot of postmodern art and photography features use of gas masks, long tubes, and other general "breathing apparatus." I have my own theroies but I was hoping to get some insights from others.

Answer 1

Yes. Scary thought huh? I hope I don't live to see the day..but, the way things are going... People think they have things to ***** about now. What if? What if there were no more trees, grass, ANYTHING living outside, and we ourselves couldn't go out without a breathing apparatus?? Not such a far stretch of the imagination...Another reason people need to WAKE UP!! This could easily happen. anytime as a matter of fact.

Answer 2

In photography, one might expect gas masks in war-torn countries, perhaps on soldiers or the casualties in hospital, or recent pandemics like SARS. (Oh yeah..some fancy masks even became fashion statements ^_^) The subject might pose as one stifled by the pressure of modern society, or it can verge on the melodramatic, about unrequited love and BGRs, inspired by Blue's lyrics, "cuz I....can't breathe easy!"

On a more academic note, conceptual artists focus on using 'readymade' items like that famous urinal by Duchamp, canned ****, crossed section animals preserved in formaldehyde, sculpture of a head using frozen blood, etc. So i guess such 'breathing equipment' could create a pretty disturbing work to shock ppl into thinking? I can just imagine tubes poking out of the most unlikely places in the human body [~,~"]

Wad abt u? Share ur ideas soon...!

Answer 3

there is just a new wave of art that resembles communist propaganda. also new art draws a lot from the graffiti scenes in new york and cali and those cats use gas masks and respirators as well as incorporate the images into their art. you also have to consider that this country rarely goes more than 5 years without starting a war with someone

Answer 4

They look cool. The artist/photographer has a cool shot with a gas mask in it that he shot in Los Angeles in the mid 1990's.

Answer 5

Gasmasks have an interesting aesthetic value...the do have stong and intriguing lines and I could see how one would use them in an artistic nature....

some are downright streamlined and look like they were designed by auto designers....

Answer 6

I think it is to throw-off the student loan companies when they come to collect. Those art degrees aren't cheap!

Answer 7

they may be making the statement that we live in a time where fear rules and it's trying to keep the poison out...

but artists may have different reasons

Answer 8

Perhaps the artists are expressing their fetishes, and it has nothing to do with politics?

Answer 9

Check this out:
http://www.ruddart.com/gas_mask_portrait.htm

Answer 10

sweet