Criss Bellini, a Swedish-based artist who has recently gained popularity in the United States, insists on staying anonymous with his work. In images, you will notice Bellini wearing a balaclava which has become a trademark throughout his art, as he incorporates it into many of his pieces. Although this may give the impression that he is trying to hide something, he insists that he has nothing to conceal.
Criss Bellini
So what lies beneath this exterior, and what does Bellini want us to take away from his artwork?
Bellini, like many famous artists such as Banksy and STIK, prefers to remain anonymous with his artwork. However, one can only wonder the reasoning behind the identity block and the desire to conceal the maker of such artistic ability.
Is Bellini attempting to influence social change by removing himself from the narrative, thereby exemplifying a message that he is trying to convey to his audience through his art? What is this message hidden throughout the work?
Due to the chokehold that societal standards have on people, there is a pressure to look and act a certain way, which can cause one to become lost in the mediocrity of the world. This can lead to being untrue to oneself and one’s identity. To be authentic can be difficult until a person discovers a way to be oneself without “revealing” oneself. It may be for this reason that Bellini chooses to remain unseen through the balaclava.
When one conceals themself from the public’s eye, they free themselves from the constraints of the opinions of others, a freedom which feeds authenticity.
Is it possible that Criss Bellini intends to convey a message of freedom through his art pieces?
In all of Bellini’s works, the masks represent something… “We live in a world where fake is the new real,” said Bellini.
The balaclava represents both freedom and seeing the true reflection of an individual. Though Bellini encourages people to interpret the art however they see fit. These mysteries can only be perceived through the viewer’s eyes.
Visit Criss Bellini’s website or follow them on Instagram to learn more about their work.
