Art. Narcissister Explores Identity, Race, and Womanhood Through Anonymity.

Narcissister
(Image via Narcissister)


Narcissister is a New York based artist, who performs in select venues all over the world, anonymously. She occasionally takes her act to the streets, and has even invited other women to don her mask as part of her commitment to topless activism. Sex, sexuality, and female anatomy are running themes in her works, which have been described by some as graphic, or even risque. Narcissisters chosen masks and identities or often that of black women, or white women, a nod to her mixed race heritage. The performance artist, who has studied with Faith Ringold and trained at Alvin Ailey, attracted mainstream attention on two occasions, first for her appearance on America’s Got Talent, and then for an outing with shock pop rocker Marilyn Manson, in which she rocked a dress with the crotch cut out, complete with a Merkin. She’s even been named checked on the cheeky sitcom Absolutely Fabulous.



While her act might seem like antics to some, there’s a message in her medium. Narcissister’s act is all about supporting women. When asked about her chosen moniker, she had this to say,

I had a short list. At the top were Narcissister and Moxy. I’m glad I picked Narcissister! I was flipping through the dictionary, looking for words I could combine. I realized that by adding an “er” to narcissist I could extend the definition and evoke sisterhood, especially among women of color. It refers to that fact I’m a “sister.”

She also focuses on the politics of women’s bodies.

“There’s this idea that women’s bodies are fundamentally sexual and consequently, inappropriate to be seen in the public arena,” she explained. “[This project] is about women enjoying a broader experience with their bodies and in their bodies the way that men do … I want to question whether this law or other laws are built on stereotyping and discrimination have been unconsciously built into law.”




Narcissister
(Image via Narcissister)

Narcissister
(Image via Vice Magazine)

Narcissister
(Image via New Burlesque.)

Narcissister
(A Still from “This is Masquerade.”)

Narcissister
(Image via Max Vernon)