distortion, echoes and phases

This series of works is an exploration of the digital post-processing technique known as "data-bending". The process consists of taking a media file of one medium, converting the media file into another medium, then turning the same media file back to its original medium. Here, I utilized raw photographic images, converted the raw data of the photographic images into sound using a digital audio workspace (Audacity), added audio effects (distortion, echo, phaser, etc.), then converted the sound file back to an image file. The result is an unpredictable color splash and pixel ripping that makes these images born again into the forms they are displayed in now.

I utilized self portraiture for many of the images as well as select digital artworks and smartphone screenshots. Working in the realm of self portraiture, specifically as a transgender artist, I feel as if the visual distortion is a representation of the distorted lens that society may use to view such identities and people. I am who I am yet the information, the very data of my existence, may become "data-bent" as it transfers across far-right chat rooms and conservative news broadcasts. How do the images of our fellow human beings distort in such societal data transfers?