Beauty Marks

30" x 35", acrylic on canvas, 2023

My interest was in representing the movement of torsos so I began with loose, imagined charcoal sketches. References were then collected and collaged together, focusing on photographs of women’s bodies with scars from life saving surgeries. The intent became to represent these bodies in a way that reflected the strength of their character, as scars do. Despite scars being a physical sign of healing, they are seen as shameful or at the very least, something to hide. Scars (1991-2003) by Ishiuchi Miyako is a collection of closeup photographs of scars, which the artist “considers powerful testaments to a person’s survival.” Ishiuchi’s photos offer a look at scars of all kinds, respecting their appearance no matter the origin. 

Scars changed the direction of this painting, from my original focus of body movement. These photographs, as well as the subsequent scar focused projects I found, made me feel both comforted and emotional. Instead of being hidden away or “politely” ignored, scars are being allowed to exist as something normal and even beautiful.

Works Cited

“Ishiuchi Miyako: What Is a Scar?” SFMOMA, 9 Feb. 2022, www.sfmoma.org/watch/ishiuchi-miyako-what-scar/.