How artist Arca is forming mainstream visual culture

Abstract

My goal for this thesis is to analyse and discuss the way trans* and non-binary Venezuelan experimental artist and producer Arca is shaping mainstream visual culture, mainly through the social media platform Instagram. One of the questions I will be asking is what that means for trans* representation and its normalization in today’s society, and whether it is helping to destigmatize the trans* community’s position as a marginalized group, or if it is just another marketing strategy used for promoting. I will focus on Arca and her career, her transition, her visual changes, her presence on social media and its impact on the surrounding world. With growing trans* visibility it is important to consider how it is affecting our general perception of trans* individuals, since more trans* visibility in certain parts of the world can mean more trans* targeted violence.