This project explores the intersection of cultural heritage and modern design. Taking inspiration from anthropomorphic masks rooted in Ecuadorian culture, such as jaguar motifs, I aimed to reimagine them with a contemporary aesthetic. The goal was to preserve the symbolic key features of the original pieces while introducing new materials and visual effects.
Design Approach
Using AI-generated 3D modeling techniques, the design maintains a connection to the original masks while exploring the reflective, translucent qualities of modern materials. By selecting polycarbonate plastic with a black translucent finish and a thin layer of gold coating, I aimed to evoke a precious, ethereal quality. This combination adds a layer of interactivity, where the mask’s transparency subtly reveals the wearer’s face and surroundings, altering its appearance dynamically.
The final mask retains the sharp contours and iconic features of traditional designs while transforming them through sleek curves, reflective surfaces, and modern finishes. This approach bridges cultural history with present-day reinterpretation, offering a contemporary artifact that resonates with ancestral roots.
In the future, I aim to convert these images into a fully 3D-printable model of the mask. However, I am still in search of the right tools and processes to secure the accuracy between the generated images and the final print model.
Prompt Used: “3D shape, black translucent mask floating in the air, polycarbonate plastic and coated with a thin layer of gold texture, on white background.”(Adobe Firefly)
