Tavi Gevinson, a 28-year-old artist, is fascinated by the concept of performing relationships, especially in the age of social media. She has explored this theme in her work, such as her satirical novella Fan Fiction, which delves into her friendship with Taylor Swift. Having had a public career from a young age, Gevinson is interested in the disconnect between one’s true self and the persona presented online. She seeks authenticity in her art and relationships, while acknowledging the pressure to maintain appearances in the creative industries she is familiar with.
Gevinson’s latest project, the TV series The Other Two, further explores the performative nature of relationships and the fashion and media industries. Drawing from her own experiences and observations, Gevinson and her collaborators satirize the world they know well, exaggerating aspects of it with love. Despite not being identical to her character Susy, Gevinson admits that there are elements of her own life that have influenced the show. She reflects on the challenges of keeping up appearances and presenting oneself as successful in creative fields, a struggle that many can relate to in today’s age of social media.
In adult life, Gevinson observes that even if one does not publicize their relationship as openly as the characters in The Other Two, there is still a public performance of romance that takes place. This facade is something she has long been intrigued by and has explored through her work. The idea of combining one’s true self with the online persona they present is a constant source of fascination for Gevinson, as she grapples with the expectation that her art will reflect on her as a person in some way.
Gevinson’s interest in the slipperiness of combining one’s self with their online presence stems from her desire for authenticity. She acknowledges that her art and work are intertwined with her personal life, creating a complex web of relationships and performances that she navigates. Despite the challenges of this balancing act, Gevinson continues to explore these themes in her work, seeking to find a sense of authenticity and truth in a world that often prioritizes appearances and facades.
As Gevinson delves into the themes of performing relationships and maintaining appearances in creative industries, she acknowledges the challenges of staying true to oneself amidst societal pressures. The characters in The Other Two reflect this struggle, exaggerating the realities of their world in a satirical manner that is both humorous and thought-provoking. Gevinson’s own experiences and observations inform the show, adding a layer of authenticity to the performances and relationships depicted on screen.
Overall, Gevinson’s exploration of performing relationships and reflecting on the disconnect between one’s true self and online persona is a poignant commentary on the complexities of modern life. Through her work, she seeks to find authenticity in a world that often values appearances over substance, shedding light on the challenges of navigating relationships and careers in the age of social media. By delving into these themes with humor and insight, Gevinson invites audiences to reflect on their own experiences and the facades they may project in their own lives.
