Reclaiming the Myth: Mermaids, Trans Identity, and Artistic Expression

The Kemper Museum’s exhibition, “Raven Halfmoon: Ride or Die,” showcases the Caddo Nation sculptor’s powerful re-imagining of Western iconography, elevating Indigenous women as protectors of the plains. This reclamation of narrative space sets the stage for a broader exploration of identity and myth, a theme further amplified by the extravagant opening of 1587 Prime by Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. The steakhouse, a monument to their success, embodies a certain excess, a modern-day Dido’s Carthage, ripe for artistic interpretation.

It was within this context that Will Cotton began his “Between Instinct and Reason” series, a collection of large-scale paintings celebrating the mermaid – not as a passive figure of fantasy, but as a potent symbol of liberation and self-determination. Cotton describes the mermaid as a character “unimpacted by moral standards and unthreatened by external forces,” a stark contrast to the societal pressures faced by many, including his muse, trans model and OnlyFans creator Robin Rubash.

The Siren’s Offer: A Portrait of Resilience and Transformation

Cotton’s painting, The Siren’s Offer (2024), recently sold at Galerie Templon in New York, is a striking visual dialogue between archetypes. Rubash, depicted as the mermaid, extends a pink frosted cupcake – a signature Cotton confection – towards a faceless cowboy, a symbol of traditional American masculinity. Her tail, rendered in the glacial blues, whites, and pinks of the transgender flag, functions as a sail, propelling her towards this encounter. The painting isn’t simply a depiction of offering; it’s a visual representation of bridging divides, of a trans woman extending a gesture of connection to a culture often resistant to change.

“The cowboy is every kind of American frontier myth: the rugged individual, the hero, the outlaw, the person who believes the land is theirs to conquer,” Cotton explains. “The mermaid, on the other hand, belongs to a different mythology; she comes from a realm of fluid identities, shifting bodies and contradictions—alluring and dangerous. I don’t paint with specific political messaging in mind, but I’m always trying to place figures at the edge of something.”

Rubash’s journey embodies this “edge.” Based in Kansas City, she navigated the challenges of making a living, initially through street work before finding a platform on OnlyFans. “But I had to get out of there; they found out how much money I was making and would take it from me, and taxes took the rest, but what I have is enough to make a life in Kansas City,” she shares. “And here I’m respected for what I do.”

A Kansas City Creative Ecosystem

Rubash found a supportive community within Kansas City’s vibrant art scene, connecting with artists like Peregrine Honig, whose work explores themes of vulnerability and social anxiety. Honig, recognizing Rubash’s unique presence, became a conduit to Cotton. “I was immediately drawn to Robin’s femininity; it’s so painterly,” Honig says. “We became friends very quickly talking about vulnerability and art history, and the history of great artists painting young women in the sex industry. Robin’s like a nymph, and she has this pubescent beauty, but she’s an adult, a grown person who’s also nubile, and in painting her you’re not doing damage to her, she’s sentient—hyper aware—of how she wants to be perceived.”

Their collaboration extended to Honig’s Ophrys (2021), a reimagining of Edouard Manet’s Olympia, with Rubash as the central figure. The tableau, staged in the lush surroundings of Powell Gardens, captured a moment of raw beauty and artistic defiance. Honig’s dedication to creating a safe and empowering environment for Rubash ultimately led to the introduction to Cotton and the opportunity to become the subject of The Siren’s Offer.

Honig’s own artistic journey was profoundly influenced by sculptor Ruth Asawa, whose mentorship instilled a commitment to rigorous observation and fearless exploration. Asawa’s influence underscores the importance of artistic lineage and the power of mentorship in fostering creative growth.

Cotton was captivated by Rubash’s “uncommon combination of gentleness and authority, the alluring complexity of her eyes, a face that’s soft but not passive.” He discovered her long-held fascination with mermaids, a connection rooted in her trans identity. “I have always said, before I die, I want to model as a mermaid, be portrayed as a mermaid, because that goes along with my trans identity,” Rubash explains. “I was attracted to mermaids since I was a little boy, and I’ve noticed throughout the years that mermaids do resonate with a lot of trans people, and I believe there’s this beauty, the long hair—you know, kids who were not allowed to transition still grow out their hair. And they don’t have genitalia, they’re just beautiful creatures, and that’s always spoken to me.”

Cotton adds, “I didn’t know about that at first. I saw her in class; she had a relaxed confidence in her body, the way she held a pose without stiffening. It wasn’t until later, when we sat down to talk, that she mentioned she’d been obsessed with mermaids since childhood. And I remember laughing, because I’d already begun thinking of her for a mermaid painting.”

What does it mean to reclaim a mythological figure like the mermaid and imbue it with contemporary significance? And how does art serve as a catalyst for challenging societal norms and fostering greater understanding?

Frequently Asked Questions About Will Cotton, Robin Rubash, and the Mermaid Myth

• What is the significance of the mermaid in Will Cotton’s “Between Instinct and Reason” series?

  The mermaid represents a figure unbound by traditional morality, embodying fluidity, contradiction, and a powerful sense of self-determination. Cotton uses the mermaid as a symbol to explore themes of identity and the boundaries between instinct and reason.

• How did Robin Rubash’s identity influence her collaboration with Will Cotton?

  Rubash’s identity as a trans woman and her lifelong fascination with mermaids were central to Cotton’s vision for The Siren’s Offer. The painting utilizes the imagery of the mermaid to explore themes of gender, transformation, and self-acceptance.

• What role does Kansas City play in the story of Will Cotton and Robin Rubash?

  Kansas City provides a unique artistic ecosystem that fostered the connection between Rubash and Cotton. The city’s vibrant art scene and supportive community allowed Rubash to thrive and ultimately led to her collaboration with the renowned artist.

• What is the connection between the opening of 1587 Prime and the themes explored in Cotton’s artwork?

  The opening of 1587 Prime, with its display of excess and celebration of celebrity, serves as a modern-day parallel to the mythological narratives explored in Cotton’s work. It represents a contemporary “Carthage,” ripe for artistic interpretation and commentary.

• How did Peregrine Honig contribute to the collaboration between Rubash and Cotton?

  Peregrine Honig acted as a crucial bridge between Rubash and Cotton, recognizing Rubash’s artistic potential and creating opportunities for her to collaborate with the established painter. Honig’s own artistic practice and mentorship played a vital role in facilitating this connection.