ariana page russell

'Flora' 2006

'Inevitable' 2005

russell belongs to 5% of the population that experiences a skin condition known as dermatographia OR 'SKIN WRITING'. russell explains that it is caused by the immune system's excessive release of histamine which results in the dilation of the capillaries when the hypersensitive skin is lightly scratched or rubbed. the subsequent welts that appear, reduce without treatment after 15-30 minutes. RUSSELL COMPARES THE EPHEMERAL AND INVOLUNTARY REACTION OF SKIN WRITING TO THE UNCONTROLLABLE NATURE OF THE BLUSH. i think russell intriguinlgy uses her disorder to draw attention to the materiality and complexity of the skin's surface. i am fascinated by the way skin can reveal so many ASPECTS OF OUR LIVES such as our emotions, ORIGIN, profession, tastE and the passing of time. 

Burnt pendant, I was not prepared for a sunny burst that we recently experienced

African Scarification- body art that indicates community status and tribal groupings.  Increased adoption of clothing has reduced the popularity in scarification.