In the contemporary era, the images of popular figures are disseminated widely through mass media. Characteristics like big eyes, double eyelids, and a high nose bridge are often considered elements of "face fashion" prevalent in society.
Throughout history, there has been a shift in preferences from "smooth and delicate" to "rugged and powerful," and currently, the aesthetic standard may favor "beautiful and delicate" or "cool and handsome" faces.
These preferences reflect the prevailing characteristics of the times.
The notion that the face represents one's social nature while the body belongs to nature evokes the concept of masks. People unconsciously transform their faces into masks when they need to play specific roles or integrate into particular occasions.
In the broader social context, the face adheres to social conventions and is influenced by the pervasive influence of idols and internet celebrities.
These societal and media products shape the appearance of the general public, leading to the mass production of universally accepted and imitated facial features.
When the metaphorical mask is removed, what remains of the "face"? Engage in a face-to-face encounter with someone, whether an acquaintance or a stranger and experience eye contact between individuals.
The face becomes more expressive when the eyes, voice, and expressions harmonize, revealing genuine emotions.
Even in silence, when a person sees someone, their brain signals the face to convey specific expressions, creating a silent conversation that reflects the thoughts and feelings in their heart. In essence, individuals utilize their faces to manifest their true selves.
The human face is undeniably the most fascinating canvas in the world.
However, people are merely nominal custodians of the face, as it fundamentally belongs to nature. The life history of a face, familiar to all, unfolds through various stages of life, with diverse experiences leaving indelible traces.
Yet, the face is also shaped by genetics and molding, such as the expression lines resulting from active facial interactions between a mother and child.
Jonathan Cole suggests that faces and facial expressions are evolutionary outcomes, as observed by Charles Darwin in his study of "human and animal facial expressions."
This evolution is attributed to the increasing complexity of social organization, wherein numerous facial muscles collaborate to form intricate expressions that convey nuanced meanings.
The face predates culture, and different cultures or races interpret the face in diverse ways. Cultural influences go beyond natural attributes, manifesting in practices like painting, tattooing, modifying, and stylizing faces to express cultural identity or fit in with the environment.
Faces, whether expressive or neutral, become symbols in the rich tapestry of cultural diversity.
The cultural concept of "face" is intricate and challenging to encapsulate in a single definition. Makeup often serves as an interpretation of the face, providing individuals with a creative outlet to express themselves within the complex cultural framework that defines the significance of the face.
