Masquerade

<p> In its conventional meaning <I>masquerade</I> refers to a festive gathering of people wearing masks and elegant costumes. But traditional forms of masquerade have evolved over the past century to include the representation of alternate identities in the media and venues of popular culture including television film the internet theater museums sports arenas popular magazines and a range of community celebrations reenactments and conventions.</p><p> This collection of fresh essays examines the art and function of masquerade from a broad range of perspectives. From African slave masquerade in New World iconography to the familiar Guy Fawkes masks of the Occupy Wall Street movement to the branded identities created by celebrities like Madonna Beyonce and Lady Gaga the essays show how masquerade permeates modern life.</p>