Tribe of Polycephaly

Tribe of Polycephaly explores the complexity of identity and the ever-changing facades that are used to mask our true self. Polycephaly, the condition of having more than one head, is apparent throughout the series as each subject exemplifies a multi-headed being through the technique of collaging. This alternative photographic process involves collaging photo transfers on layers of transparent paper to create a polycephalous being. The physical aspects of the series represent the psychological, in that my purpose is to determine that we are more then the version of ourselves that we reveal. We may be attempting to protect our true self—a common occurrence as a part of society. Donald Woods Winnicot, a psychoanalyst notable for his studies on identity, distinguished this complexity in character by recognizing that our true self is hindered by our false self’s desire for social acceptance. Tribe of Polycephaly symbolizes the false self’s need to mask true existence, indicating that we are not individualized in society due to conformity. This series references the work of photographer Ralph Eugene Meatyard, whose use of masks within his series The Family Album of Lucybelle Crater addresses the concept of depersonalization. Similar to Meatyard’s concealment of his subjects, Tribe of Polycephaly, obscures the true nature of the subjects with numerous layers of images that are collaged together. This surreal imagery conjures ideas of people having multiple heads, or multiple sides to their personalities. This series is an honest perspective of the multitude of metaphorical masks we use to conform, and questions whether we ever truly show our genuine selves.