Nail studio employees often have to do physical work under difficult circumstances in order to provide the cosmetic services their customers desire. However, nails are also a medium for creativity and self-expression. As part of the event Playing field:Body, a performance, followed by a moderated discussion, shed light on the various facets of nail art. Dive into the evening once again and revisit our panel talk on nail art!
Playing field:Body was one of three events taking place as part of the project hands on nails – we are open at the temporary bauhaus-archiv.
Maria Alcaide’s research-based art deals with – among other things – the “beauty industry” in general and nails in particular. With a keen eye and compassionate humour, she highlights the socio-political dynamics and societal norms that are associated with services in the beauty industry. In her performance, she presents excerpts from her piece “The Managed Hand”.
The fusion of art, handicraft and technique – the same guiding principle of the State Bauhaus long ago – raises questions. Who are allowed to call themselves artists? Who remain firmly anchored in the service providing sector?
Building on her experience in fashion design, Camilla Inge Volbert has devoted herself to nails and nail art for several years. Her meticulously designed nails are high in demand and often featured in avant-garde photo shoots. Despite her established position, Camilla is familiar with the downsides of the branch. In Playing field:Body she wished to draw attention to these shortcomings and difficulties.
In their studio isla Berlin, Charissa Chioccarelli and Magdalena Bonamin explore various forms of self-expression. Their feminist agenda consists of nail art, tattoos, piercings, fashion and even community-building. For hands on nails, isla Berlin developed the DIY station at which visitors can try their hand at nail art themselves. In Playing field:Body, Charissa Chioccarelli and Magdalena Bonamin lead a conversation with Maria Alcaide and Camilla Inge Volbert.