The white and red mask 

Dimitris Mytaras created ‘The white and red mask’ using an intense colour palette and fragmented figuration to communicate a personal narrative. Born in Greece, Mytaras’s life experiences, which spanned periods of war, political instability, and cultural transformation, influenced his artistic perspective. The use of masks within the composition invites us to consider the multifaceted nature of identity, and how it is performed. The figures, with their distorted features and theatrical makeup, may reflect a sense of unease with prescribed social roles. Mytaras once said that he aims to explore the "hidden aspects of human nature" through his art. The stark contrast between the white and red masks could symbolize opposing forces within the self, or the tensions between public persona and private experience. As you reflect on this painting, consider how Mytaras uses the iconography of the mask to explore universal themes of identity, performance, and the complexities of human emotion.