Girl with Masks (Communion) 1921

James Ensor created "Girl with Masks (Communion)" using oil on canvas. The thick application of paint gives the surface a raw, almost sculptural quality, and a sense of immediacy. Ensor’s bold brushstrokes build up the image, from the girl’s features, to the masks surrounding her. Notice how the masks are not just depicted, but almost emerge from the paint itself. This technique isn't accidental. Ensor was deeply engaged with the materiality of paint, pushing its boundaries to express complex ideas about identity and society. His family ran a souvenir shop selling carnival masks, which became a recurring motif in his work. In this context, the masks aren't just props; they represent the various roles we play, and the hidden realities beneath the surface. Ensor is questioning the stability of identity, and the ways we conceal ourselves from each other, and from ourselves. The artwork prompts us to consider the labor and politics behind these creations. Ultimately, Ensor challenges traditional notions of fine art by embracing the materials and processes of everyday life.