Becoming-Mermaid : Mermaids as Travelling Concepts in Contemporary Artistic Practices

The mermaid is a cultural phenomenon that has proven to be one of the most captivating myths to span across global cultures and traditions. Over the last decade, a small yet notable re-emergence of the mermaid has occurred within the field of contemporary art. The purpose of this research is to trace a new line of inquiry between mermaids as important agents in the exploration of subjectivity within contemporary artistic practices. This thesis looks at the mermaid as a travelling concept that operates in distinct ways across the diverse artistic practices of Mrs. D Yunupiŋu, Emilija Škarnulytė, Aysha E Arar, and Agnes Questionmark. Comparatively analysing specific artworks in a case study analysis, this research employs posthuman and material feminist theory to analyse the contemporary significance of the mermaid. Theoretical analysis of these practices reveals the mermaid's capacity for intersubjectivity, working as a conduit for individuals to explore their dynamic selves. Together, these four artistic iterations of the mermaid bring to light the complexity of contemporary existence and embodiment and point to contemporary mermaids as a global network of unified 'others.' Ultimately, each of these case studies serves as a contemporary actor in the ongoing circulation and transmission of the mermaid mythology and ontology into the future.