6 Artist-Designed Pandemic Face Masks
Thanks to COVID, face masks are the essential fashion statement of the year
Cover photo: Takashi Murakami designed face masks available for purchase at the Modern Art Museum, Fort Worth, Texas (2020).
Illustration depicting the risk of spreading germs while wearing a face covering. Via Northern Light Health.
The Best Solution
A once-in-a-century pandemic has certainly changed much of our daily life, including the way we dress. Face masks have become an essential part of our wardrobe. “You’ll see others wearing masks as a sartorial sign that they are willing to sacrifice some freedom and comfort for the common good,” explains Liz Bucar, a professor of religion at Northeastern University.
While nearly 90% of hospitalized patients have one or more underlying conditions, Covid-19 may affect anyone, and survivors are likely to suffer lasting lung damage. President Trump has privately admitted that the novel coronavirus is “more deadly than even your strenuous flu.”
CDC Director Robert Redfield has announced that face coverings are more important than a potential vaccine: “I might even go so far as to say that this face mask is more guaranteed to protect me against Covid than when I take a Covid vaccine.”
The nation of Japan had no mandatory lockdowns while encouraging universal masking, resulting in only 7.68 deaths per million, compared with 385 per million in the United States (as of late June).
Feel both beautiful and protected in these essential artist-designed garments.
Untitled (Better Safe Than Sorry), face mask, by Barbara Kruger (2020). Via MOCA.
Barbara Kruger $28
New York artist Barbara Kruger rose to prominence in the 80s with her minimal color schemes and provocative use of language. Kruger’s mask designed for The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles features the well known adage “better safe than sorry” in white Helvetica type on a red field. It’s a look that’s truly clinical, daring, and chique.
This mask is handmade in California by Citizens of Humanity and purchases directly support The Museum of Contemporary Art. Purchase here.
Face Mask for Phillips X, face mask, by the Haas Brothers (2020). Via Citizens of Humanity.
Haas Brothers $75 (for pack of three)
Twin brothers Simon and Nikolai Haas are known for their whimsical style and experimental materials. The Texas natives have collaborated with Louis Vuitton, Versace, and Lady Gaga. The latest Haas Brothers mask features a freckled smile that may make you feel like a Little Monster.
100% of net proceeds from sales of the masks will be distributed between The Bass Museum, Artadia, The Innocence Project and the NAACP. Purchase here.
A Piece of Sky, face mask, by Yoko Ono (1993/2020). Via MOCA.
Yoko Ono $28
Japanese artist Yoko Ono (yes, that Yoko Ono) has repurposed a 1993 design for her MOCA face mask. The optimistic look features puzzle outlines with an aptly named piece of sky. The new mask coincides with The Metropolitan Museum’s reopening, decorated by Ono’s Dream Together banners.
This mask is handmade in California by Citizens of Humanity and purchases directly support The Museum of Contemporary Art. Purchase here.
Multi-Flower Face Mask, face mask, by Takashi Murakami (2020). Via The Modern.
Takashi Murakami $125
Japanese superflat artist Takashi Murakami’s offical store Tonari no Zingaro has released a line of face masks in an assortment of colors, patterns, and sizes featuring his signature flower motif. 2020 has kept Murakami busy with an upcoming show in tribute to the late Michel Majerus and a limited edition line with Perrier.
Purchase here.
Art of Equal Pay, face mask, by Michele Pred (2020). Via the Art Newspaper.
Michele Pred $40
Swedish-American artist Michele Pred has designed a mask to continue the conversation about gender pay disparity. Pred’s feminist mask features a single dollar bill dyed in acid pink with the words “EQUAL PAY” draped across President George Washington’s face. The mask is available in a limited run of 200 pieces.
Ten percent of profits are going towards Covid-19 relief efforts. Purchase here.
Still Speaks Loudly, face mask, by Virgil Abloh (2020). Via MOCA.
Virgil Abloh $28
Founder of street fashion sensation Off-White and Louis Vuitton’s latest Men’s Artistic Director, American designer Virgil Abloh has created a mask sporting his signature air quotes that read “STILL SPEAKS LOUDLY”. Feel undaunted in this beautiful black piece that will remind you to communicate fearlessly.
This mask is handmade in California by Citizens of Humanity and purchases directly support The Museum of Contemporary Art. Purchase here.
