This work uses images of 'body marks' found by first browsing on the Web. The URL and thumbnails browsed are printed on paper. Using markers, co-performers trace the marks onto the artist’s body, while he also reads out the URL and browsing information. Audiences are told that the marks are from the bodies of persons found randomly on the Web, persons that have no direct relationship to the artist, co-performers or the audience. The performance ‘ends’ by erasing the marks and also reclothing.

The 'marks' range from, and are not exclusive to, birth marks, scars, marathon numbers, skin cancer, self-harm, surgery markings, gay/straight/LGBTQ tattoos, left and right political tattoos... etc. Audiences are open to interpret whether the marks are of any particular person, gender, race, or subject. In the end, the marks are ‘erased’ by washing away the ink from the artist’s skin, followed by him putting clothing back on. Tracing becomes an act of marking but, fundamentally, erasing. This act puts more visibility on the body. Visible and invisible, structures and desires, biases and preconceptions, race and ideology; these are some elements that audiences are open to interpret.

Photographic documentation by Rob Harris, courtesy of Nunnery Gallery. Performed live with Timo Kube. From the exhibition Visions In The Nunnery, London, UK, 2020.

Video documentation by Natalia Plejic; from the live-art and performance event Reversed, present at University of Bristol, UK, on 8th April 2019. Special thanks to Nu Nu Theatre, and LAPER.