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Unveiling the Monster

Author: Nikira Cole

Supervisors: Ed Hanfling Michael Morley Holly Mackinven


27 February 2026

Cole, N. (2026). Unveiling the monster [Master's dissertation, Dunedin School of Art, Otago Polytechnic]. Research Bank. https://doi.org/10.34074/thes.7307

Abstract

This dissertation discusses the complex role of the monster featured within the narrative in contrast to their heroic counterpart, centered in known mythology. With specific reference to myths like; Theseus and the Minotaur, Beowulf and Grendel, and Saint George and the Dragon. Specifically breaking down their roles and consistent relevance to contemporary society. With additional commentary on societal binaries and conformity that displaces the outsider. This is reflected within the smaller final works featured in the exhibition, with the classic myth retelling shown in white and a inverse counterpart showing the monstrous counterpart in red.

The largest works in the project are made using the medium of white, red, orange and pink pencil on black paper to additionally explore body horror and the queer experience, with reference to human anatomy and monsters of folklore.

See Nikira Cole's work on https://www.flickr.com/photos/dunedin_school_of_art/albums/72177720332815364

Keywords

Gothic horror, body horror, mythology, Queer identity, monsters

Licence

This thesis is publicly available under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives licence CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International. This licence applies except where otherwise indicated, especially for images.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

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