Thalassic masks re-think contemporary identities

While the pandemic continues to change the way the world operates, our identities, reflected in what we wear every day, are affected by it too. Filippo Nassetti and Vincenzo Reale introduce the ‘Thalassic Masks’ project which takes a modern spin on protective masks, transforming a medical product into a statement of bold expression. “The focus of the project is to rethink the protective mask. While we have been using protective masks extensively during the pandemic, for a prolonged use for which they were not designed," says Italian artist Filippo Nassetti, describing his inspiration behind the project. “Another thing that really interested us was to explore how we as humans live in an environment which can be very aggressive and sometimes we need additional devices in order to cope with this sort of environment,” shares artist Vincenzo Reale, co-designer of the mask.

The Thalassic design team is composed of artists Filippo Nassetti and Vincenzo Reale, in collaboration with Stratasys, Empa, Haratech and Creative Region Linz. This project has been carried out within the framework of Re-FREAM, part of the EU funded STARTS Programme (Science + Technology + Arts).

Thalassic project investigates how to transform and upgrade the medical masks to engage with the environment and present a mode for personal expression. “In collaboration with Filippo and Vincenzo we researched different solutions for the urban mask. One of the points of the material research was to understand the capacity for flexible materials and how we are able to interact with anonymity while also giving the facial expression through the design of the mask,” says Naomi Kaempfer, creative director at STRATASYS. The aim of the project is to re-think how a seemingly everyday object can go beyond itself, beyond the functionality to incorporate many other elements of meaning redefining pre-pandemic and post-pandemic identities.

Inspired by marine forms, thus the name Thalassic, the project draws design ideas from aquatic organisms like jellyfishes, corals, sea anemones and more to filter water and extract oxygen and nutrients from the sea. The thalassic team has developed biomimetics methods to emulate logics of natural systems and apply them to develop new and creative products.

Using 3D printing techniques in collaboration with Stratasys, layer after layer, 3D-printed polymer material is deposited on a very fine chiffon fabric, with the flexibility, colour and structure finely controlled by digital models. They have employed innovative manufacturing techniques such as additive manufacturing, electronics, traditional textile processes, eco-innovative finishing together with social environment values to create a new value for the fashion industry. “For this project we have done literature survey to explore in detail how head region is contributing to thermal sensation and comfort perceived by the wearer of the mask,” elaborates Agnes Psikuta, Senior Scientist at Empa.

Digital algorithms were used to interpret the information found, which allowed them to adapt the distribution of the material on top of the garment and modify the inner structure and its properties in order to augment the functionality material of the resulting pieces. “For me the outcome of this project is symbolic of the multi-layer approach of combining art and technology,” shares Claudia Kappl, manager at Hub Linz.

The Thalassic mask team has created a new breed of masks that remould the relationship between technology, wearable objects, and the human body.

“As we develop the specifics there may be more to come so eventually the thalassic mask may be just one step of a much wider ecosystem of products,” says Filippo Nassetti.