Visual Impact of Feminist Protest

Old Boy Network

“Old Boy Network” is a piece of video art created in 2024 by Magali (0megavybe), who is a DJ and member of the FLINTA* collective “Layers”. Her video addresses challenges faced by FLINTA* individuals in the music industry, highlighting issues of underrepresentation, objectification, sexualization, and the impact of patriarchal structures. Alongside her music career, Magali focuses on challenging hetero-male dominance in the club scene and advocating for greater recognition and support for marginalized groups in the music industry.

“Old Boy Network” is based on a comprehensive survey and personal interviews with various FLINTA* individuals (women, lesbians, intersex, non-binary, trans, and agender people) from the music scene, reflecting their experiences. The survey revealed that many respondents were victims of sexual harassment and objectification at events, both by organizers and the audience. Additionally, they frequently reported being treated differently compared to their male colleagues. External factors, such as appearance, play a significant role for FLINTA* individuals, often overshadowing their expertise. Outdated beliefs, such as the notion that femininity and technology are incompatible, persist and often lead to low self-esteem or imposter syndrome, where individuals doubt their abilities and attribute their successes to luck rather than merit.

The music industry, like many other sectors, is marked by significant underrepresentation and discrimination against FLINTA* individuals. Over the decades, due to the lack of access for FLINTA* individuals, male-dominated structures known as the “Old Boy Network” have established themselves, providing men with critical career advantages. For FLINTA* individuals, entering the industry and establishing themselves is considerably more challenging due to frequent objectification, sexualization, and structural disadvantages. The tension between wanting to express oneself freely and the fear of being sexualized, belittled, or discriminated against plays a significant role and severely limits FLINTA* individuals.

As affected individuals often fear being accused of fabricating stories for attention or success, this project aims to increase visibility for these problematic structures in an otherwise hedonistic industry.

Visual Impact
The video project delivers a powerful visual impact with its stark and revealing imagery. It features a woman in underwear and a mask, illustrating her struggle to feel comfortable in her own skin while facing external judgments. These judgments hinder her from achieving this comfort, reflecting the broader issues faced by FLINTA* individuals in the music industry, who are often judged differently from their male counterparts and constrained in their self-expression.

The setting is minimalist, reminiscent of an interrogation room, with the woman observed from multiple angles. This setup emphasizes a constant sense of scrutiny. Her anonymity in the video highlights that the experiences portrayed are not isolated incidents but common realities for many women in the industry.

A female voiceover accompanies the visuals, while the camera focuses on the exposed and objectified figure. The use of minimalistic, revealing visuals critiques the superficial judgments imposed on women, urging viewers to reflect more deeply on genuine inclusivity and respect.

Text by Magali (0megavybe)

Still from the Video. Directed by Magali (0megavybe). Camera, Editing & Photography: Vince Gertoberens & Magali (0megavybe).
Voice Over: Zoe Angelina (Dj Fuckoff). Germany, 2024 ©Magali (0megavybe).

Still from the Video. Directed by Magali (0megavybe). Camera, Editing & Photography: Vince Gertoberens & Magali (0megavybe).
Voice Over: Zoe Angelina (Dj Fuckoff). Germany, 2024 ©Magali (0megavybe).

Still from the Video. Directed by Magali (0megavybe). Camera, Editing & Photography: Vince Gertoberens & Magali (0megavybe).
Voice Over: Zoe Angelina (Dj Fuckoff). Germany, 2024 ©Magali (0megavybe).

Still from the Video. Directed by Magali (0megavybe). Camera, Editing & Photography: Vince Gertoberens & Magali (0megavybe).
Voice Over: Zoe Angelina (Dj Fuckoff). Germany, 2024 ©Magali (0megavybe).

Still from the Video. Directed by Magali (0megavybe). Camera, Editing & Photography: Vince Gertoberens & Magali (0megavybe).
Voice Over: Zoe Angelina (Dj Fuckoff). Germany, 2024 ©Magali (0megavybe).

Still from the Video. Directed by Magali (0megavybe). Camera, Editing & Photography: Vince Gertoberens & Magali (0megavybe).
Voice Over: Zoe Angelina (Dj Fuckoff). Germany, 2024 ©Magali (0megavybe).

Still from the Video. Directed by Magali (0megavybe). Camera, Editing & Photography: Vince Gertoberens & Magali (0megavybe).
Voice Over: Zoe Angelina (Dj Fuckoff). Germany, 2024 ©Magali (0megavybe).

Still from the Video. Directed by Magali (0megavybe). Camera, Editing & Photography: Vince Gertoberens & Magali (0megavybe).
Voice Over: Zoe Angelina (Dj Fuckoff). Germany, 2024 ©Magali (0megavybe).

Still from the Video. Directed by Magali (0megavybe). Camera, Editing & Photography: Vince Gertoberens & Magali (0megavybe).
Voice Over: Zoe Angelina (Dj Fuckoff). Germany, 2024 ©Magali (0megavybe).

Still from the Video. Directed by Magali (0megavybe). Camera, Editing & Photography: Vince Gertoberens & Magali (0megavybe).
Voice Over: Zoe Angelina (Dj Fuckoff). Germany, 2024 ©Magali (0megavybe).

Still from the Video. Directed by Magali (0megavybe). Camera, Editing & Photography: Vince Gertoberens & Magali (0megavybe).
Voice Over: Zoe Angelina (Dj Fuckoff). Germany, 2024 ©Magali (0megavybe).

21st Century Germany Artistic Display Provocation Social Commentary Performance Symbolic Resistance Awareness Raising Film/Video Empowerment Solidarity Intersectionality Visibility Patriarchy Critique Social Inclusivity Representation Male Dominance Music Industry Sexualization
Home