physical skin manipulations by juuke schoorl reconsider the human body

physical skin manipulations by juuke schoorl reconsider the human body
all images courtesy of juuke schoorl

the mind bending skin manipulations photographed by dutch artist juuke schoorl warrant a double take: are these unnatural textures inherent characteristics of the individual’s body, digital interventions within a computerized space, or are they physical molds applied to the surface of the subject? with her graduation project ‘REK’ (meaning ‘stretch’ in dutch) schoorl translated her fascination with the human body and its malleability into a series of images, exploring the aesthetic possibilities of our outer layer.

low budget supplies like nylon fishing rope reshape the surface of the skin

by physically altering this curious stretchable material with various low budget supplies like nylon fishing rope and tape, schoorl was able to temporarily reshape it into surprising textures, highlighting not only its inherent flexibility and adaptability but also its function as our own biological upholstery. ‘rather than only seeing the body as a complete entity‘, she describes, ‘I also see it as a collection of meticulously curated components, shapes, materials and textures, that can be challenged.’

tape deforms the skin on the back

tactile changes recontextualize the skin’s properties

‘REK’ explores the aesthetic possibilities of our outer layer

the human body, and its malleability, is tested