Six thousand masks for one imposter

Having recently given, and published in Third Text referee journal Online, a series of articles on mask, class carnival, I was invited to write text accompany an exhibition relating masks. Mask, Masque, Masc group hosted online between 14 31 May 2020. It curated by Marc Hulson, Alessandra Falbo Rolina E. Blok, Five Years Darling Pearls & Co at Platforms Project Net 2020 (see: http://www.fiveyears.org.uk/archive2/pages/277/Masc_Mask_Masque/277.html . Accessed 28 July 2021). This article is transformed version that text, edited extended suit this the requirements suggestions journal’s reviewers. starts out with epigraph taken from Nietzsche, followed two quotes Walter Benjamin relate writing playfully ‘magic’. later turns towards conclusion more fulsome F.W. which dispute priority truth claim every word mask. The piece aims encourage support newcomers writing, as well non-native speakers those less privileged backgrounds; any all whom might nervously feel their own some way illegitimate. draw upon my experience arts lecturer writer, becomes example autobiographical strain work uses first-person narratives explore ways education (in general) art particular) contribute or help us negotiate consciousness cultural barriers. discusses new technologies invite allow voices gain confidence also alludes ‘masks’, ‘imposters’ ‘imposter syndrome’ (initially nominated feminist concern). attempts advise aspiring writers ‘dis-spelling’ myths transcendent, thereby socially divisive, promotes idea material process (no ‘magical’ for that) open all. Interestingly, title its count, thus had be changed each time it grew into approximately 6,000-word essay now. As being, other ways, self-reflexive self-conscious, self-deconstructive conclusion, tugging certain ‘masc’-ulinity concerning sources motivations author otherwise remain masked author. allows end extending implications purported écriture feminine become encouragement different ‘others’ find way, through meanwhile expanding many we deploy new-found freedom according model words masks, masque masked.