NYComicon 2017 – A Profile
The whimsical world of cosplay descended on Gotham City this weekend, filling the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center with thousands who represented all things pop culture during the 11th annual New York Comic Con.
On the third day of the convention, sometime late afternoon, a Game of Thrones fandom troupe huddled for an HBO photo op, while the likeness of President Trump “bending the knee” to a Khaleesi doppelganger drew attention from onlookers. But nestled in a corner of the vestibule, surrounded by anime troopers, photographers and the exhausted early-arrival crowd, stood a turquoise mermaid with a stone encrusted tiara and fanged teeth.
The mashup is the original product of craftsmanship and imagination of the 12-year cosplay veteran, Victoria Ortega, who prefers to go by GeishaVi. “Today I’m cosplaying a character that I created, Elunis, she is one of two daughters of Poseidon, the Greek mythological sea god.” Ortega has been creating her own designs for more than 10 years and, like the power that Poseidon yields over the oceans, the artist finds her own power from manipulating textiles and foam board.
“I didn’t see a lot of characters that looked like me, so I decided to make characters that were me,” said Ortega.
As a black cosplayer, Ortega says industry folk often discredit those who cosplay outside of their racial presentation. But the artist agues the art form is strictly based on the costume with no attention to complexion –– unless, of course, that skin color is made of white, black, blue or gray water based face paint.
“Being a cosplayer of color is always an issue. Unfortunately when you see most characters created and designed they are usually of fairer skin and complexion,” said Ortega. “It’s about what I’m wearing, not my skin color.”
But the Pittsburgh native has not let racial obstacles stand in the way of designing her elaborate tributes. She began crafting original creations in 2008 when she made a mashup based on a hybrid between, two anime characters — Chii from the anime Chobits and a Japanese kitsune.
Since then, GeishaVi’s cosplay characters have evolved. Elunis, for example, began as a pixie with wings and a tutu in 2011 and has since matured into a full mermaid adorned with seashells, gems and sea hemp meant to emit the authentic smell of the ocean. “I’ve gone full scale,” said Ortega, pointing out the latest update to the character –– fish scales in the form of sparkling sequin. The artist described how each seashell and gemstone has to be strategically placed in a pattern to achieve her desired affect. Some creations can take months to finish.
The curvy sea princess has evolved along with her characters. The artist, who has made a living as a cosmetologist for the past 18 years, went from cosplaying as a hobby to profiting from the industry. Ortega designs custom wigs, and sells prints of her cosplay photos and flowered Japanese hair accessories. She has been invited to participate on convention panels and admits her advocacy work is the most rewarding. Ortega addresses issues of racial diversity, gender-bendering and LGBTQ acceptance in the cosplay community. Recently her discussions have centered on body image and the criticisms surrounding images considered over or underweight.
“I want people to know, if you are plus size, there is nothing stopping you from putting together a costume and going to a convention and rocking out,” said Ortega. “We are all representing our unique visions of the art form.”
