# Masquerade Self-Portraits This Artist Covers His Entire Head with Numerous Random Materials By Ady Floyd | Published 2015-06-02 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/engulfed-self-portraits References: [laughingsquid](http://laughingsquid.com/brazilian-artist-envelopes-his-head-with-different-materials-in-an-unusual-self-portrait-series/) & [edumonteiro](http://www.edumonteiro.com/gallery/32796/autorretrato-sensorial-/) Edu Monteiro produced a collection masquerade self-portraits that feature his head engulfed with an excessive amount of different materials. Each image shows a new material being used. He has worked with everything imaginable from plush children's toys to cigarettes. Some images are a lot more creepy than others. For example there are a few images where Monteiro is wearing an octopus or an animal carcass. This collection of sometimes [playful and sometimes alarming](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeffrey-deitch-art-gallery) photographs is an expression of Monteiro's [search for self-identity](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hughmanity). The images can be interpreted differently by each viewer. These bizarre masquerade self-portraits seem to strike a balance between humor and horror. The struggle to find an identity among the clutter that surrounds us externally and internally is what this artist is trying to accomplish. Through his own outlet he has manged to convey a journey without using words. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 54% | Activity: 62% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Excessive Self-portraits:** Opportunity for artists to create self-portraits using excessive and unconventional materials, pushing the boundaries of self-expression. - **Identity Exploration:** Trend of using art as a tool to explore and express personal identity, allowing individuals to convey complex emotions without words. - **Humor and Horror Fusion:** Emerging trend of combining elements of humor and horror in artistic creations to evoke a unique emotional response and challenge traditional perceptions. ### Where This Applies - **Art and Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for artists to experiment with unconventional materials and techniques, creating innovative and thought-provoking artwork. - **Self-expression:** Opportunity for self-expression platforms and tools to cater to individuals seeking unique ways to explore and express their personal identities. - **Psychological Exploration:** Psychology and therapy industries can explore the use of art as a therapeutic tool for individuals to process and explore complex emotions and identities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Block Puzzle Carnival Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/masquerade-mask-1.md) - [Emotive Inflatable Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lian-mask.md) - [Human Embraced-Inspired Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wallmounted-sculpture.md) - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md) - [Mask-Made Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tidal-stories.md) - [Artful Custom Mirror Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portraits-collection.md) - [Wooden Identity Art Forms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hughmanity.md) - [Reimagined Puzzled Artful Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portrait-of-a-woman-in-a-hat.md)