Raf's Masks

• "Utopian thinking gives us a direction, a vision of what could be, rather than what is."
• This quote stands out because it reminds me that activism isn't only about fixing what's broken—it's also about imagining something better. Utopian thinking fuels hope and helps activists stay motivated by keeping their eyes on a better future. It's not naïve; it's strategic.
• "A well-crafted utopia doesn’t ignore the world as it is—it uses it as a springboard."
• This makes me think of how vision and reality must work together. Utopias aren’t supposed to be escapist fantasies—they’re grounded in the present but push us beyond it. I like the idea that we can use our current struggles to propel us toward something radically better.

My performance art piece explores the theme of self-awareness and inner dialogue through the use of hand-crafted masks. Each performer wears a mask that conceals their face, but on the inside—hidden from the outside world—are messages, questions, or affirmations written just for the wearer. These internal messages are never revealed to others, creating a contrast between the external appearance and the internal truth. The performance invites participants to reflect on the disconnect between what we show the world and what we carry within ourselves.

By keeping the messages hidden, the piece emphasizes the deeply personal nature of self-exploration and encourages viewers to consider their own inner voices. The audience is not given all the answers—they are left to wonder, question, and interpret. This tension between visibility and invisibility becomes a catalyst for introspection. The performance is not just something to watch, but something to feel, prompting people to confront their own masked realities and the stories they silently carry.