{skin}-D.E.E.P.: arm

{skin}-D.E.E.P.: arm detail

{skin}-D.E.E.P.: arm detail

Long Description:

In 2015, the body of work titled {skin} d.e.e.p. – Digital Ephemeral Epidermal Patterns of temporary biomimetic skin patterns via wearable 3D printed exoskeletons was exhibited. The work manifested as digitally fabricated exo-skeletal appliances imprinting the dermis. The project utilizes the body as a medium not to only express ourselves but to deliver agency via temporary modification of the visible skin. Foucault and Bourdieu have theorized about the body as a ground for examining power dynamics and action. Beauty and body modifications have centuries of tradition in the form of tattoos, piercings and even long lasting modifications to the body, but some of these modifications still retain a stigma in society especially in visible sensitive areas of the body (e.g.: neck). The process combines 3D printing technology to be applied externally and therefore is temporary in nature, allowing for a short term modification that completely vanishes, giving opportunity to extreme experimentations. Documenting these experiences and exhibiting the work within an art context offers a unique dialogue about the desire to modify one’s body and the powerful message it can project.

Subsequently in 2016, the second iteration, {skin} d.e.e.p. – RESIST and bodyhacking explored the use of typography on the body, imprinting patterns and words, to be used as politicized communication.

In the reiteration of the project from 2021 we wanted to focus on verbal abuse as a tool of marginalizing and sanctioning non-normative gender and sexual(ized) identities in society. We invited individuals who have been inappropriately called slurs and names. We invite them to become part of the {skin} d.e.e.p. project by volunteering to receive a temporary impression of a word of their choosing on the skin via vacuum pumping, leaving a mark that lasts hours and sometimes days.

In our last iteration {skin} d.e.e.p. – KIRITUHI from 2023, nspired by two of the Kaupapa apiti of He taoka tuku iho: The treasures passed down to us from the ancestors, those tried and true wisdoms of old; and  Kahikatea tu i te uru: Strength in numbers. In researching Ta Moko, we discovered the term Kirituhi, which translates to ‘skin art’. This is a term used when tattooing those of non-Maori  heritage and allowing them to wear traditional Maori  patterns without the issue of cultural appropriation. For the work, we 3D printed geometrical patterns of abstracted minimal elements inspired by traditional Ta Moko designs.

Wearing the 3D printed armband allows for an imprint to emboss the skin. After the band is removed the skin produces an ephemeral imprint of the design. During the time where the printed dissipates ,we hope for a reflection on honoring the tradition and cultural heritage of the indigenous.

{skin}-D.E.E.P.: neck

{skin}-D.E.E.P.: neck

{skin} D.E.E.P.-Digital Ephemeral Epidermal Patterns – is graciously supported by The University of Akron Summer Fellowship grant and the Biomimicry Research and Innovation Center at the University of Akron – Biomimicry Collaborative Research Incentive Grant.