The most iconic masks in pop culture

The pandemic has got all of us covered in errr, boring but functional masks. Everywhere we go, we see everyone sporting surgical masks as a means of protection from the coronavirus. And let’s admit it—we’re all kinda tired seeing people with covered faces.

But why don’t we make light of the situation? Let’s have some fun instead talk about the most popular masks in pop culture today.

Mask of the Phantom (Phantom of the Opera)

The mask of the Phantom from the hit musical Phantom of the Opera is one of the most popular masquerade masks worn by men. In fact, whenever people see a white half-mask, they immediately associate it with The Phantom of the Opera.

Did you know that originally, the mask was supposedly full-faced, to cover the character’s full facial deformity? But because a full mask would limit the actor’s singing, the production opted for the half-mask instead.

Darth Vader (Star Wars)

Albeit the symbol of the dark side in the Star Wars franchise, Darth Vader and black, metallic mask–technically a helmet–is an iconic image that is popular even to those who are not fans of Star Wars.

Today, Darth Vader’s full face masks are sold everywhere–ranging from USD 50 to as much as USD 250,000 and USD 450,000 for the original ones.

Guy Fawkes (V for Vendetta)

Everyone has seen a Guy Fawkes mask even if we don’t know it is actually one. Used by the hacking group Anonymous, the Guy Fawkes mask is often used by people who protest about different causes.

Although around since the early 1900s, the Guy Fawkes image–stylised as a smiling face with red cheeks and a wide moustache upturned at both ends–has been popularised in the movie V for Vendetta.

Salvador Dali (Money Heist)

The Salvador Dali mask is actually made after the real artist Spanish artist Dali who was known for his rebellious works. He was the most important figure of the surrealist movement in the early 20th century.

In the Netflix show Money Heist, the mask symbolised revolution and resistance, not just to hide their identity when robbing the Bank of Spain.

Which one is your favourite iconic mask in pop culture today? 🙂

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