Masks and Monsters: Non-linear narrative, ghosts, and dissociation

Abstract:

This exegesis reframes the negative connotations of dissociation through non-linear narrative and a painterly visual language to reclaim creative agency.  This methodology draws from personal experience, this project presenting a visual language for dissociation by applying it to a series of non-linear narrative paintings, presented on irregular canvas shapes. Shown through a series of nine paintings, this language consists of depiction of masked spectres, limited colour palettes, creation of irregular canvas shapes, and the use of painting techniques such as glazing and layering. The conclusions of this research posit that reclamation of agency can be achieved through the externalised experience of narrative painting and use of a personalised visual language. It addresses the gap in first-person accounts of dissociation, reclaiming agency through self-driven autoethnographic research.