Masks of crime - Penny Van Hazelberg

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In ancient tribes, masks are believed to embody spirits or ancestors, acting as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. They are used in rituals to invoke these spirits and ask them for guidance, protection, or blessings.

In many cultures, these masks are worn during ceremonies. They can symbolize important life events such as births, marriages, and deaths, helping to mark the transition between different stages of life.
In the context of theft, masks are mainly used to conceal identity and create an intimidating presence, inspiring fear in victims and making them more compliant during the crime.

Wearing a mask can have a psychological effect on the perpetrator, allowing them to feel bolder or more detached from their actions, which can make it easier to carry out the crime.
In this book, the Australian artist reveals a collection of photographs gleaned from the internet of these “masks of crime.”

The result is somewhere between an ode to robbery, a book for gangsters, and a scathing critique of capitalism.


Format 200x150 – Hardcover – ¨ printed and bound by hand in India – 84 p.
ISBN – 978-2-940695-38-6

100 copies 
©Penny Van Hazelberg
October 2025