Masking as performance art

Ah, masking: that exhausting dance we do to 'pass' - as neurotypical, as straight, as 'normal' (whatever that means). It's draining, but unmasking can feel terrifying. And for those of us who didn't discover our true selves until later in life, it can be hard to know who we are without the mask. That's when creating an alter ego can be an awfully useful thing to do...

Here are 5 things (about masking & alter egos) to delight you:

1.

I'm fascinated by this idea that we don't really have one true identity - that there are 100s or even 1000s of versions of us that exist in the minds of others.

2.

"I have grown up into adulthood with that mask on and sometimes it’s impossible to tell what is a mask and what is the real me. It had become so fused with my face that I don’t know what is my real skin and what is the disguise that covers it."

What to do when you're masked even to yourself.

3.

"I have always been fascinated by alter-egos. The idea that you can step into a completely different version of yourself, one that has none of your hang-ups, or fears, or baggage. Someone who embodies a completely different aspect of who you are. If feels delicious, and subversive, and powerful."

Ever wondered who on earth this Zuzu character is? Allow me to introduce you to my alter ego.

4.

"We all have hidden selves, but rarely do people name them, let alone give them an entire body of work."

I love this exploration of the greatest art aliases of all time.

5.

Finally, this piece from Tara McMullin on embracing our online identities as performance art gives me goosebumps:

"Leigh decided to perform on Instagram as if she were a character in the world she created for her novel. It was an opportunity to create something funny and engaging while also managing her identity."