Vera

In Vera I explore the visible and ongoing transformation of human skin in relation to the skin condition ‘Psoriasis vulgaris’. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which skin cells renew themselves at an accelerated rate. This results in red or pink, sharply defined patches (plaques), covered with a silvery-white layer of scales.

Vera’s skin forms the starting point; a landscape that continuously reshapes itself, breaks down, and regenerates. By visually connecting these transformations to everyday changes in nature, such as peeling tree bark, cracking earth, or shifting seasons, a parallel emerges that softens what is perceived as ‘abnormal’ and instead makes it recognizable and universal.

The work stems not only from her sense of shame surrounding her skin, but also from the social stigma associated with psoriasis. By not concealing the skin, but approaching it with care and gentleness, space is created for a different way of seeing. One in which vulnerability is not rejected, but acknowledged as an essential part of being human.

Presented in book form, the work takes on an intimate, almost tactile quality. Turning the pages reflects the layered nature of the skin and the gradual, sometimes unpredictable changes that occur within it.

“Vera” shifts the gaze from judgment to attention, revealing how our perception defines what we consider ‘abnormal’.