An avid gamer, Valentina Gal is all too familiar with the customs of online communities. On platforms such as Twitch or Reddit, she researches online subcultures like the furry fandom, cosplayers and – for these series of works – the world of Vtubers (Virtual YouTubers). The internet offers a relatively safe space for those who want to express themselves, and at the same time provides a low threshold for others to express criticism. The avatar is a central element in this balancing act of online freedom and critique. A live filter allows streamers to modify their appearance in such a way that they are anonymous and at the same time have a unique hybrid digital personality. Valentina’s work can be read as such an Avatar – a filter overlaying our physical space that shines light on the online world of streamers, while revealing its shadowy sides.