From masks to antennae, when artists push back the limits of the human race

Humans have always been fascinated by mutations or the possibility of having a non-human appearance. Whether for performative or cultural reasons, the ability to enter another world to convey something meaningful to ourselves makes the creation of these hybrids and characters less of a facade and more of an extension of our identity. With the rise of artificial intelligence in recent years, there has been an increase in artistic and creative expressions. Software like Adobe Photoshop allows users to use their own photos to create variations based on personalized prompts, giving everyone the opportunity to digitally experiment with fantasies, characters, and representations based on their appearance, opening their minds to other worlds. After all, beauty is one of the most important things in our society, so why not experiment with what we could one day achieve? Or simply escape from what makes us all the same. Some artists, like SZA on the cover of her latest album, have found in bodily alteration a playground for creativity.

The fascination with a "non-human" appearance has always existed, reflecting our attraction to the mystical, the divine, and the futuristic. Ancient cultures often gave their gods and deities exaggerated or supernatural traits to symbolize their power and superiority over ordinary humans. Rituals and theater, such as in ancient Greece or Japanese Noh, used masks and costumes to transform people into spirits, animals, or supernatural beings, making the narratives more magical. Even during the Renaissance, artists like Hieronymus Bosch created strange and surreal creatures to explore themes of morality and the unknown. In more modern times, the "non-human" look has become a symbol of rebellion, creativity, and self-expression. From the extraterrestrial vibes of glam rock to the modern use of technology and prosthetics in fashion and art, these aesthetics push boundaries and invite us to imagine new possibilities. Disguising or presenting oneself as "non-human" has always been a way to step outside norms, channel mythical energy, and explore what it means to go beyond the earthly and the rational.

Throughout history, artists have used surreal and "non-human" aesthetics to push the boundaries of creativity. In the 1970s, David Bowie was a pioneer with his alien alter ego Ziggy Stardust, blending glam rock with interstellar flair. In the 1980s, Grace Jones embodied an androgynous and robotic persona with a striking avant-garde style. More recently, Melanie Martinez adopted an otherworldly look, especially during her Portals era, transforming into a fantastic and surreal creature with pastel tones and strange designs. Today, SZA embraces a celestial, alien-inspired aesthetic during her SOS era, fusing sci-fi visuals with cosmic goddess vibes, positioning her as a being from another realm.

In her Hot Ones interview on the YouTube channel First We Feast, the Kill Bill singer discussed relationships, her creative process, and her adoption of a new style simply because she "felt like it." While tasting ultra-spicy sauces, the singer remained expressive with her exaggerated prosthetics. "I’m just tired of not being a bug," she explained. "This transformation gives me so much peace in the realm of existence because being human is so overwhelming," she confessed. "Being in your own skin, all that mess... the freedom to... I’m just tired of not being a bug." she continued.

Throughout the ages, the allure of a "non-human" appearance has always mirrored our aspirations, fears, and collective imagination. Today, thanks to advancements in technology and creative tools like artificial intelligence, this fascination is taking new forms, allowing everyone to play with their image and explore alternative identities. Whether to escape monotony, challenge norms, or embrace the strange and fantastic, the desire to transcend our humanity remains deeply rooted in our search for meaning and beauty. In an increasingly connected and uniform world, these visual and spiritual transformations remind us that imagination and self-expression are powerful ways to redefine who we are and what we could become.