Parse Journal (May 2023)
D.I.Y.M.I.A.
Abstract
This essay explores the personal and artistic journeys of Mathangi Maya Arulpragasam, becoming the recognised musical and visual artist M.I.A. I argue that her trajectory is inspired by a DIY culture of contamination and collage, which builds upon two eras of participatory culture: a 1970s–80s subculture of zines, graffiti, punk and mixtapes; and a 2000s–10s continuation of digital media practices of posting, mixing and sharing digital content. Her first decade in music reached back to analogue sounds and spaces, yet it was also “futuristic” in style. Traces from Sri Lanka, India and London—and a vision of a world and sound not yet realised—found a conduit, and a convivial, contaminated, sonically challenging cradle in a Roland MC505 groove box.
