Custom Painted Goalie Mask by EYECANDYAIR

"HUMAN NATURE"
Goalie Mask Airbrush Painting by Steve Nash

EYECANDYAIR was very fortunate to work with famous artist Brian Jungen (in conjunction with Art Metropole), who approached us to paint his "Human Nature" concept on a limited edition series of 12 goalie masks. Here is some history on this unique project:

Untitled, by Brian Jungen- ART METROPOLE FUNDRAISING EDITION

Art Metropole, Toronto, 2006. A varied edition of 10, plus one artist proof, and one production proof. Custom painted Vaughn 5500 Pro goalie mask.

Brian Jungen, one of Canada's most exciting artists has created this limited edition of goalie masks that he sees as an "interesting place to put a subversive message. In the corporate world of branding in professional sports, the painted goalie mask stands alone as a personalized emblem of the individual who wears it." Ever alert to issues of representation and commodity, Jungen has worked with masks before. In his famous series, Prototype for New Understanding, he created unique masks reflecting North West Coast Aboriginal design, using materials from Nike running shoes. In this series he has flipped the process, creating unique patterns for mass produced equipment.

As with earlier works, such as his Talking Stick series, Jungen uses words to create an intricate visual design, while at the same time delivering a simple, loaded message. The goalie masks are decorated with the phrase "human nature", each word mirrored to form pairs of perfect opposites. The phrase can be taken in several different ways: a poke at essentialism, a reference to violence, a call for the burring of distinctions between humans and nature, the reflections of nature in humans and vice versa. In keeping with Jungen's practice, the references are loaded and multiple. These masks are potent. But they are also humorous. Jungen admits to making "a fun nod" to his earlier work and a desire create something explicitly Canadian. Painted professionally by Toronto hockey helmet airbrush specialist Steve Nash, each helmet is unique and complete. Says Jungen, "I like to think that someone who buys one will actually use it."

Brian Jungen was born in Fort St. John BC. He moved to Vancouver to attend Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, where he graduated in 1992. He was awarded the inaugural Sobey Art Award in 2002. Jungen's work has received critical acclaim, and has been exhibited internationally in Europe, USA, and Asia. He has upcoming exhibitions at the Tate Modern, and the Sao Paulo Biennale. Today he lives and works in Vancouver.