Beyond The Skin
Enduring criticism for my skin colour and dealing with the challenges of acne, compounded by the trauma of experiencing hate crime, has fuelled my artistic exploration. I focus on my back, symbolising the weight of constant scrutiny and marked by scars from battling acne, embodying the act of constantly looking over my shoulder at those who have criticised me. Through my work, I aim to confront these experiences and transform them into a powerful statement of resilience and self-acceptance. This artistic journey delves into my own vulnerabilities. Additionally, I explore the theme of feeling criticised and ridiculed because of one’s skin.
The publication features a series of black and white images that blend portraits and landscapes to convey a message. The self-portrait images communicate feelings of entrapment and restriction. Through these photographs, I aim to confront and expose what was once hidden. I prioritized images that accentuated the feeling of being confined within one’s own skin, underscored by their full-bleed presentation. The captured movements, especially the placement of my arms, further underscored this notion of constraint, encapsulating the emotions inherent in the journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
The publication features a series of black and white images that blend portraits and landscapes to convey a message. The self-portrait images communicate feelings of entrapment and restriction. Through these photographs, I aim to confront and expose what was once hidden. I prioritized images that accentuated the feeling of being confined within one’s own skin, underscored by their full-bleed presentation. The captured movements, especially the placement of my arms, further underscored this notion of constraint, encapsulating the emotions inherent in the journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
For my final book, I chose to use a textured cover with embossed lettering. The high-contrast images revealed the textures of my skin, complementing the content within. The pages of the publication are French fold and hand-sewn, allowing for hidden elements to be revealed and adding a personal and intimate touch that aligns with the theme of exposing once-hidden aspects
