This is the second mask I created, inspired by one of the first friendships I formed after moving to the Netherlands. The mask is based on Wessel—a vibrant, outspoken personality with a sharp sense of humor and a bold presence. His energy guided every step of the design.

My journey into mask making began with a piece I created in Bulgaria as part of my transition to studying in the Netherlands. That first mask marked a personal transformation, and with Wessel's, I felt it was time to continue the practice with renewed creativity and direction.

The mask was sculpted from papier-mâché, with styrofoam used as the base for the devilish horns. I hand-painted it using acrylic paints, choosing a bright and daring color palette that reflected Wessel's dynamic character. Around the horns and spikes, I attached pieces of fabric to give texture and movement. The final touch—a wire-shaped tongue—was crafted to express the sharp wit and constant stream of thought that defines him.

Once completed, I knew this mask needed to be worn by its muse. We did a photoshoot beginning on my rooftop, then moved to one of Rotterdam's iconic graffiti spots. The neon lights, distorted poses, and raw painted walls created a visual contrast between chaos and control—mirroring the energy of the mask and the character behind it.

This project is both a continuation of my exploration into mask-making and a tribute to friendship, personality, and creative storytelling through form and color.