Ciara Walsh

Cuttlefish are a species of cephalopod known for their almost alien ability to transform their appearance at will. They camouflage themselves to hunt, avoid predators and communicate with each other. Mimicry in the oceans in a common tool for survival.  

Outward appearances are a defining characteristic, one used to categorise, judge and define all of us in everyday life. Yet, in reality and in nature, outward appearances are subject to great diversity and variation. The lines are often blurry and cannot be so easily defined.  ‘Cuttlefish’ aims to explore the confusing and isolating nature of existing in the intersection of strict binaries of identity, be that race, gender or in this case, species.  

Naga exists in between the sea and the land, a mix of human and not. They are desperate to find a community where they finally ‘fit’. Like a cuttlefish, they constantly transform and morph themselves to mimic their peers. Yet, they can never truly connect with anyone while camouflaged. Finally tired of feeling alienated on land, they journey to the bottom of the ocean in search of a place to fit in.  

In the vast endless darkness at the bottom of the ocean, Naga comes to an understanding. Life, itself, is undefinable and weird. From every person to the strangest deep-sea blob. There is no point trying to fit in to find connection when everything is weird, bizarre and unique. Perhaps none of us was ever meant to fit so neatly into categories. 

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