AbstractsWomens Studies

This project centers on two performance art pieces: The Silicone Diaries – a play – and Dick in the Air – a music video. As created and narrated by Nina Arsenault, The Silicone Diaries autobiographically chronicles her gender transition and venture for beauty. As written and produced by Peaches, Dick in the Air parodies and critiques gender representation in the music industry. Both pieces, we argue, evidence that gender is socially constructed and performative. We further detail this through the concepts of passing and transgression, analyzing how they challenge the naturalization and rigidity of gender categories. Because they destabilize the man-woman dichotomy, we conclude that The Silicone Diaries and Dick in the Air hold the potential to empower their audiences. But, we problematize the term empowerment, asking: is this the artists’ intention, or is this beyond their control? Advisors/Committee Members: Poddar, Prem (advisor).