Transformation Project

Transformation Project
Diane Beauvais


I found this image of Allessandra Torresani, who plays Zoe Graystone in the television SyFy series, Caprica, in the January 25, 2010 issue of The New Yorker Magazine, (page 5). In addition to the image I noted the caption, “The Future of Humanity Begins with a Choice”. Immediately I thought of choice of gender and how it is possible in the 21st century to actually make a choice about one’s sex, both behaviorally and physically. In this photo Ms Torresani is all feminine. She is depicted in a seductive pose with full- bodied mane gracing her flawless profile and shapely torso. She is obviously naked and portraying a coy and alluring expression, which was probably intended to attract viewers. I found it interesting that this SyFy series focuses on a virtual world, not unlike the one that we inhabit, but with far greater technological conflicts and choices. Characters are portrayed as holding themselves to their individual moral responsibilities. Each is described as devout in their own perspectives, but all are capable of excusing themselves from their own criminal, immoral, or bad behavior.
Perhaps it might be easier to adopt a gender in this realm of virtual environments.







The collaged transformed image suggests male and female characteristics which respond to the word “choice”in the left hand quote. Bulging tattooed muscles ,beard, helmet, and biker gloves still suggest male gender. Those characteristics would probably not be chosen to advertise the Caprica series. Thus I feel that television still relies on sex and the female form to entice viewers. I think of my transformation as a caricature and as a question for virtual world afficionados.
What if technology could push the envelope far enough for males and females to mix it up physically and behaviorally within the same body???