Across vibrant landscapes, from blooming orchards to bustling London streets, Freddie Yauner’s mirrored masks create an intriguing dialogue between self and environment. His project, What I’m Looking At, reimagines portraiture through reflective masks that capture the world in motion. These masks, positioned over the face, transform a walk into an exploration of place, sky, and movement.
With every step, Yauner’s mask reflects not just light but experiences—trees and pathways intersect against the mirrored surface, turning the familiar selfie into an “anti-selfie” device. This unique perspective invites viewers to see not a face, but dynamic landscapes unfolding—a testimony to the everyday beauty around us.
a reflective journey through space
Artist Freddie Yauner describes his creation as an “anti-selfie” tool that shifts focus from individuals to their surroundings. The mask features small eye openings for navigation while its reflective surface captures scenes, capturing over 10 million views online. This approach challenges the traditional selfie, encouraging an exploration of environments instead.
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Yauner plans to extend this experience globally, with a public mask release and collaborations with diverse artists. His website lists a presale for this innovative piece at £45 (approximately $60 USD), available until June 30th.
familiarity transformed into art
Yauner’s work, deeply rooted in his London base, often uses ordinary objects to probe deeper themes, like perception and ecological challenges. Beyond the mirrored masks, his creations include pollen-based paint and the Signs of Life installation at MoMA. Through these projects, Yauner continually redefines how we engage with art and nature.
What I’m Looking At takes the face—a symbol of identity—and replaces it with a vantage point for observing fields, streets, and crowds. By doing so, it retains a tactile, analogue vibe, blending the spontaneity of a walk with the intimacy of a phone video.
visual storytelling redefined
As these masks gain wider distribution, they transcend individual perspectives, fostering a shared visual experience. This openness invites users to film their surroundings, thereby shifting visibility from self-presentation to attentive observation. The project maintains its playful essence while engaging broader cultural discourses.
The challenge, then, becomes one of shifting attention. Not towards the self, but to the rich and varied world that lies just beyond our immediate view—a reflection not just of a moment but of an ever-changing landscape.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com