Surface Damage

1992, Video, 14:00 (Colour, Mono)

by Hope Peterson

A variety of scars on women’s bodies are shown and categorized as either “surgical”, “self-inflicted” or “other”. These categories break down as the tape progresses, interrupted from time to time by scenes from a scarification. The scars and scarring sequences are interspersed with appropriated images of mountains and avalanches, with accompanying text. A metaphor is developed between natural disasters and the arbitrary control and violence which affects women. The scarification is done in an attempt to gain self-determination and to transcend the loss of power over the body.

ISBN 1-55260-166-8