This project begun by the conservation of my make-up wipes as a primary material. I am very interested in them as performative objects: the cosmetics that were applied in means of improving the appearance of the user became repulsing stains on the discarded object: the wipes.  I also consider them as abstracts self-portraits – selfies – referencing in a way the Shroud of Turin. To complement them as traces of my body, I decided to embroider on them confessions about me: traces of my soul. This technique historically calls to female labor, but also to rebellion and empowerment (Parker, 2010). The series of portrait is then installed as selfies should be: in three columns of squares, incomplete, a reference to Instagram’s interface. The piece, titled #NoFilter stands as an alternative take on self-representation by putting forward my real flaws instead of a fabricated perfection, my secret self instead of a public persona. It goes against the ideas of self-promotion, self-marketing, and self-objectification, and aims toward the re-appropriation of my body as a complete, living entity rather than a commodity.

In the last photograph, my artwork stands beside a piece by Robin Gleason @robingleason .