Las Fuerzas Armadas

Photography & Sculpture

On going

'Las Fuerzas Armadas' analyzes Latin American social, economic, and political developments through the lens of Masquerade. In this series, each mask is a hand-crafted sculpture made of different materials that communicate a cultural phenomenon in Latin America. This work focuses on a new approach to the significance of gas masks, exploring the concept of defense and offense; these masks are sculpted to serve as weapons and function as tools for aggressive action or defensive combat.

In Latin America, masks of protection hold profound cultural and social significance, serving as more than accessories. These masks symbolize a means of safeguarding oneself physically, spiritually, and culturally. Historically, indigenous communities across Latin America have used masks as defensive tools during conflicts, rituals, and ceremonies, embodying ancestral wisdom and protective energies. In contemporary Latin American societies, masks are crucial in various contexts, including protests, civil unrest, and political activism. They give individuals a sense of anonymity and empowerment, allowing them to express dissent or challenge authority while minimizing the risk of reprisal or persecution.

Revisiting these ideas and ideals, this series introduces a new experimental practice incorporating AI for specific elements of the masks' surroundings. This tool is employed to obscure the masks' true locations, enhance security and protection, and preserve the anonymity of the character and weapon created.

DISCLAIMER: Masks are 100% Real