It upsets me when people alter their appearance to conform to imposed ideals of “perfect” beauty. Individual traits and unique features—those that once made them interesting and distinct—are lost in the pursuit of glossy, standardized norms. Many later regret what they've done to themselves, but find there's no way back.

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Still, I won’t deny that I too sometimes think about making my own appearance more “acceptable” or “fashionable.”

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I chose to experiment on myself, but in a safer way—through painting. I wanted to feel what it’s like to have your face cut, pulled by threads, pierced by needles. The sensations were disturbing. Even though the blade touches canvas instead of flesh, the emotional impact is very real.

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Each "operation" altered my face differently: the cuts made me look older; the tattoos gave my face a harsh, aggressive expression. In Golden Threads, I decided to cut my face out entirely, allowing the viewer to see themselves within the painting.

 

These "operations" left their marks not only on the surface but on the reverse side of the canvas as well—just as I believe they do on people, deep within the soul.