In his classic spiritual biography, “Take Off The Masks”, Malcom Boyd eloquently wrote about his process of self-examination and eventual wholeness of mind, body and spirit.  Such things are possible when we come to recognize that almost all of us stand behind some sort of mask.

For many in the GLBT community, this may be at the core of our selfhood.  For, indeed, we are sexual beings.  To deny this is also a declaration against the person we were meant to be.

Masks have been around in some form since the beginning of recorded history.  In some cultures they are used for ritual.  In some religions they are used to denote power and strength – authority.  In gradeschool culture they often come in the form of a bully or a mean girl.  I have them on walls and altars in various places of my home to remind me of people and places I hope never to forget.  Hollywood uses the powerful image of masked figures to represent both good and evil.

All of this somehow reinforces the social acceptance of wearing them.  The aristocracy of Europe often held masquerade balls and those customs carry through to modern day culture not just on Halloween.  We now celebrate the wearing of masks at suprize parties, New Years Eve and even Zombie pub crawls.

Masks are not only socially accepted, but are sometimes essential in holding together the very fabric of society.  A world leader is certainly wearing a mask when they address a Nation about to go to war.  They must wear the mask of confidence and self-righteousness if ever to win the support of the people.  Masks are important and we all can learn from not only what they reveal, but sometimes what lies beneath them.

This evening, for a one night only show at The Saloon in downtown Minneapolis, Masks2 will be revealed.  Red Carpet Productions is bringing us for the second year in a row, an insight into the world of masks.  The artistic talents of Ryan Coit, photographer for Face Off HIV (a project recently taken on by TheColu.mn), Tim Davis and Erik Janzen will be revealed.

Whatever you may think about the wearing of a mask should not matter in your decisionmaking about attending this show.  It will no doubt be highly praised and talked about for weeks by those who attend.  Also, it is free!  In preview images, humanity is revealed and thoughts provoked.  This show is for mature audiences and contains subject matter that may, to some, be disturbing.

To learn more about the show you can find them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter or go directly to the Red Card Productions website.  Use the hash tag #masks2 on facebook, instagram & twitter to see behind the scenes photos and videosI hope I will see you tonight at the show that is not to be missed.