An aesthetic exploration of skin as the abject other

Knickelbein, Jonel

Title: An aesthetic exploration of skin as the abject other
Creator: Knickelbein, Jonel
Creator: Wentzel, Andrieta
Subject: Port Elizabeth (South Africa)
Subject: Eastern Cape (South Africa)
Subject: South Africa
Date Issued: 2022-04
Date: 2022-04
Type: Master's theses
Type: text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55341
Identifier: vital:51913
Description: The purpose of this dissertation is to explore the notion of skin, its functions, and dysfunctions as the basis for the conceptual as well as theoretical output of this work. The problem statement aims to establish whether cathartic relief can be achieved through the process of visualizing skin as the abject other. Every human and animal is born with skin. The epidermis is the outermost of three layers that make up the skin. This layer provides a barrier to infection from environmental pathogens and regulates the amount of water released from the body into the atmosphere through trans epidermal water loss (Bouwstra, 2003:34). Although the human skin serves as a protective barrier, the skin itself can be a source of physical as well as emotional pain. I was born with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare and genetic skin condition that results in extensive blistering and wounding of the skin caused by mechanical trauma. The process of friction, wounding and healing has been a part of my physical being and daily affairs since I can remember. According to Cervero, ―Pain is our most powerful emotion, an essential learning tool, a major factor in our relationship with the world, and the source of much of our social behavior‖ (2012:34).I believe that my personal experience with EB has affected how I view the functions and importance of skin. In this study I explore the purposes and functions of skin through both a physical and psychological lense I also investigate the role skin plays in forming identity. The works of artists such as Frida Kahlo, Eva Hesse and Alina Szapocznikow are carefully considered in understanding different approaches and mediums used in engaging with the experience of catharsis. Investigations are made into theories on Abjection, the Skin-Ego, Materiality and Catharsis in order to sufficiently inform and shape the outcomes of the creative process. The creative and research processes have resulted in the body of artwork, entitled Skin- deep: transforming dysfunction into function, which is presented as a narrative installation and exhibition of abstract sculptural work. Ultimately, the body of work and research attempts to validate that the notion of skin (as the abject other skin) can be artistically explored to achieve cathartic relief.
Description: Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2022
Format: computer
Format: online resource
Format: application/pdf
Format: 1 online resource (89 pages)
Format: pdf
Publisher: Nelson Mandela University
Publisher: Faculty of Humanities
Language: English
Rights: Nelson Mandela University
Rights: Open Access

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