15 Face Masks and Bandannas That Are Works of Art
No matter how much time and energy it took to build up a steady (if motley) rotation of face masks, there’s a good chance you’re itching to throw yours in the trash. But some might be worth hanging on to in the far-off, post-pandemic future; what might now seem like a bleak talisman of 2020 might later seem like a work of art. At this point in the pandemic, it seems like every major artist has designed a face mask. And luckily, more and more keep doing so, because they always seem to sell out—or resell for $650 on eBay, like editions of Ai Weiwei’s “Mask With Middle Finger.” The August and September batches of artist-made masks are (currently) much cheaper. And Wedel Art Collective, a nonprofit fundraiser formed in response to the pandemic, plans to donate the proceeds of its $40 Rashid Johnsons and Jenny Holzers to the WHO and two artist relief charities. If the election is on your mind, consider Artists Band Together. The “pro-democracy political rebellion” is helping get out the vote with $35 bandannas by Barbara Kruger, Luchita Hurtado, and Marilyn Minter. Here are 15 of the latest artist-made, reusable options, including a riff on Minter’s notorious “Resist” flag, which once mysteriously disappeared from the skyline when Trump came to town.
“Untitled (Flag) bandanna by Barbara Kruger, $35 (available September 1). Proceeds split between the voter mobilization programs Mijente, Rise, and Woke Vote.
Face mask by Lorna Simpson, $40 (available August 24). Proceeds split between the WHO COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund and the artist relief charities Common Practice and Artist Relief.
“LET ME STAND” bandanna by Jenny Holzer, $35. Proceeds split between the voter mobilization programs Mijente, Rise, and Woke Vote.
“For Sorrow or Inspiration” bandanna by Christina Quarles, $35. Proceeds split between the voter mobilization programs Mijente, Rise, and Woke Vote.
Face mask by Barbara Kruger, $40 (available August 24). Proceeds split between the WHO COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund and the artist relief charities Common Practice and Artist Relief.
“Resist” bandanna by Marilyn Minter, $35. Proceeds split between the voter mobilization programs Mijente, Rise, and Woke Vote.
“A Piece of Sky” face mask by Yoko Ono, $28. Proceeds benefit the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles.
“The Four Moods of Voting” bandanna by Christine Sun Kim, $35 (available September 1). Proceeds split between the voter mobilization programs Mijente, Rise, and Woke Vote.
Face mask by Rashid Johnson, $40 (available August 24). Proceeds split between the WHO COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund and the artist relief charities Common Practice and Artist Relief.
“Untitled (Creamsicle Covid 19)” face mask by Mark Grotjahn, $28. Proceeds benefit the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles.
“Campaign Logo 001” bandanna by Juliana Huxtable, $35. Proceeds split between the voter mobilization programs Mijente, Rise, and Woke Vote.
Face mask by Raymond Pettibon, $40 (available August 24). Proceeds split between the WHO COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund and the artist relief charities Common Practice and Artist Relief.
“Together” Forever bandanna by Luchita Hurtado, $35. Proceeds split between the voter mobilization programs Mijente, Rise, and Woke Vote.
Face mask by Rosemarie Trockel, $40 (available August 24). Proceeds split between the WHO COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund and the artist relief charities Common Practice and Artist Relief.
“Smart Yuji” face mask by Pipilotti Rist, $28. Proceeds benefit the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles.
