Artist Ariana Page Russell creates beautiful temporary artworks using her own skin, and skin condition, to her advantage.
Inevitable and Herringbone
“A body is an index of passing time. Skin protects us as it shows shifting bones, bruising, muscles loosening and tightening, and freckles and wrinkles forming. I think of this as a transient fashion of skin, including the revealing way a blush decorates one’s cheek, freckles form constellations on an arm, or hair creates sheen on skin’s matte surface.
My skin is very sensitive and I blush easily. I have dermatographia, a condition in which one’s immune system releases excessive amounts of histamine, causing capillaries to dilate and welts to appear (lasting about thirty minutes) when the hypersensitive skin’s surface is lightly scratched. This allows me to painlessly draw on my skin with just enough time to photograph the results. Even though I can direct this ephemeral response by drawing on it, the reaction is involuntary, much like the uncontrollable nature of a blush.”
Patterns’ Faction
Flora
Ariana also works extensively with temporary tattoo paper, photography and collage - always focusing on the skin, and especially the idea of the blush – the temporary, involuntary symbol of vulnerability. So, so beautiful. Do go to her site and see more!
