Dimitri Shabalin

Mask maker

The archaeologist of mask making

Dimitri seeks to connect ideas and tell stories with his masks
He uses Soviet era pins and memorabilia in his designs
His first mask was made out of his old toys and his mother’s jewellery

Fashion editor of Numero and Interview magazines, Dimitri Shabalin had no plans to become an artisan until he came across a box of his childhood toys when he visited his mother on holiday in 2013. The feeling he experienced back then was akin to exploring a long-lost civilisation – and this is exactly what he seeks to recreate in his masks. "Each mask is born out of multiple symbols, pieces of memorabilia and associations, and I am fascinated to hear their owners talk about what they see in them. Sometimes they come up with the most whimsical images, and this is what I love: it means my art inspires soul searching, creativity, curiosity and an exploring spirit." Dimitri still has his first mask, a precious memory of the start of his wonderful artistic journey.

Where

Interview

©Aleksey Kim

Why did you choose this craft?: A mask is something that gives you both privacy and freedom. I am attracted by the enigma of the mask as an object, the mystery around it. For me, masks can tell stories. I treat each mask as a character. They all consist of many elements, and each of them has a meaning.
Which materials do you prefer using?: I especially like using pearls: they add a distinct baroque flavour to the masks. One of my signature features is a watch, which symbolises a virtual mind’s eye, and I usually place them just above the bridge of the nose. I use semi-precious stones and mix them with unlikely items, such as umbrella parts.
What do you love about mask making?: I enjoy fusing the most incredible elements together to create a whole art object. With every fine movement of your fingers you not only put a bead or pearl in place, you connect ideas, senses, feelings, symbols. I thrive in finding harmony in chaos.
You say you feel akin to archeologists. Why?: I am fascinated by the stories of Atlantis and bygone civilisations. I enjoy hunting for curious antiques, and I often use Soviet memorabilia in my works. These pins, watches and rings belong to a world that no longer exists, but in masks they can both tell their stories and gain a totally new meaning.

Dimitri Shabalin is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2013