Unmask yourself – this call invites people to use digital CLPs to create a selfie that reflects their actual mood. Connected to the screen via a QR code, the unmasked face becomes part of the public space for 30 to 60 seconds.

However, the selfie is not simply used as a photo, but disassembled into diversely shaped individual parts that keep on scattering and reassembling in three-dimensional space. Surface aims to disrupt the daily lives of as many people as possible and draw their attention to the issue of depression. The aim is to make it possible to experience the scope of accepted patterns of behavior and to inspire understanding for those who feel they have to hide their true face.

Surface wants to interrupt everyday life, draw peoples attention to the image they create in public and showcase the dark side of constantly hiding one’s feelings.

Driven by advertising and photography, the smile has evolved from a natural expression of joy to the default state of our face.

Whether in the office, in hospitality or on the (social) web – smiling has become a service, and the smiling face all too often a mask that hides true feelings. Every fourth woman and every eighth man suffers from depression in adulthood. Children are also increasingly affected. According to research, a masked smile can be a long-term cause of mental illness. Surface wants to draw attention to this connection and calls on people to drop their socially prescribed masks as an act of compassion.

Upon uploading an unmasked self, the picture appears on the CLP–screen as the sum of different shapes in a three dimensional field – symbolizing the effort that it takes to keep oneself together day by day.