«Cash Me Online» is a video and photography project where I combine performance and found footage with deepfakes to explore the impact of cameras in the era of social networking. My ultimate goal is to achieve viral fame on social media, and in this project, I embrace the interplay of delusion, decline, and despair, offering a thought-provoking narrative.
The core of the project revolves around the creation of a hyperfeminine digital alter ego, meticulously crafted
to fully immerse myself within the world of social media. This dual persona allows me to perform both online and in the physical world, providing a platform to fulfill my desires and aspirations within a semi-fictional context. Guided by the algorithms of my own feed and a coach that I hired, I draw inspiration from the female figures present in the online realm, fueling my exploration of self-representation and questioning the concept of the “female gaze” in a time where women have a prominent presence on screen, representing themselves.
Moreover, my project delves into the tension between the presence of asymmetries and the rehashed toxic feminine stereotypes that proliferate through social media. By reclaiming these stereotypes, I aim to highlight
the power of female figures, including myself, to assert ourselves and achieve success on our own terms.
The incorporation of found footage adds depth and richness to the project, functioning as a visual album that showcases the diverse representations of content while also exposing the standardization of codes, bodies, attitudes, and behaviors within social media platforms.
To challenge this standardization and disrupt notions of comparison, rivalry, and dysmorphia, I incorporate deepfakes of my own face. This technique introduces ambiguity, encouraging viewers to question and reconsider their perceptions of beauty and identity in the digital age. By subverting expectations and introducing elements of unpredictability, my project aims to spark critical thinking about the influence of social media on self-perception and the societal constructs that shape our online experiences.
This project delves into the concept of narratives, particularly focusing on the evolution of female representation. We’ve entered an era where women express themselves extensively through selfies and curated presentations, marking a significant shift in the historical landscape. However, it also sheds light on the persistence and repackaging of toxic feminine stereotypes, contributing to a concerning cycle of historical recurrence.
Similarly, despite the context of a photo competition, I take pride in emphasizing a video installation. I believe that the moving image represents the natural progression of the still image, showcasing a dynamic evolution in visual storytelling. This intentional choice challenges the boundaries of representations on social media.