What does it mean to break character? In acting, it’s when you drop an assumed role by accident, often forgetting what you’re supposed to say. In photos and videos at Extra Special With Cheese in Burlington’s Soda Plant, Naomi Moser interprets and interrogates the concept, especially as it relates to the way women are seen and the way they present themselves. In her sometimes pixelated, DIY-style videos, she layers images to create funny, unsettling narratives. From a ship’s figurehead questioning why it’s her job to seduce (and thus calm) the ocean to an exploration of the levels of performance and deception inherent in being a “ghost sexter” for someone else’s OnlyFans account, Moser’s takes are strange but relatable. In lenticular photos — which seem to move as you do — she presents self-portraits made while in and out of character. See if you can tell the difference.
‘Broken Character’ On view through February 7 at Extra Special With Cheese in Burlington.
This article appears in January 28 • 2026.
Got something to say?
Send a letter to the editor and we'll publish your feedback in print!