Polymeliana is a digital collage which forms part of a larger body of work entitled: meta·morphosis. In meta·morphosis, I explore the phenomenon of Blackfishing within cyberspaces as it relates to issues of identity, representation and race. I turn the concept of Blackfishing on its head as I explore themes of colonial mimicry and
role reversal by introducing an anthropomorphic character in whiteface named: Polymeliana. Polymeliana is a Black, female character who attempted to “whitefish” by undergoing surgery however, in a freak, science-fiction-esque accident, the procedure failed and her body experienced mutation which transforms her into an anthropomorphic being. The visual story of Polymeliana raises questions about which groups of people have the freedom and privilege to cherry-pick and appropriate alternate racial identities.
2021
Digital collage
668px x 499px