Rad Hourani's "SKINIMAL" series explores the evolution of the use of skin as both a protective layer and a symbol of social identity. Historically, animal skins shielded humans from the elements, particularly during territorial expansions. As societal awareness evolved, distinctions between male and female bodies introduced modesty, creating a sense of awkwardness around nudity and encouraging the wearing of garments. Animal skins later signified social rank and values, and today, they are often exploited for their aesthetic qualities. In contemporary society, our skin has become a critical element of identity, with skincare routines embedded in capitalist practices that treat natural features, like wrinkles, as imperfections to be concealed. Foundation, for instance, creates a façade, prompting contemplation on whether this artificial layer masks our true nature—the natural skin hidden beneath.

The "SKINIMAL" series features sculptures crafted from recycled leather, some painted to reflect human skin tones, each piece titled after a continent to symbolize global diversity and interconnectedness, reflecting on how we divide the planet and ourselves from animals. These artworks embody the interplay between skin texture and abstract animal forms, mirroring human existence. Each piece underscores the mathematical harmony underlying all phenomena, illustrating how interconnected forms create a unified whole. The symmetrical aspects of the sculptures evoke animal shapes, blurring the lines between the wild and the domestic, the individual and the collective, highlighting a shared geometrical essence.

"SKINIMAL" breathes life into these once-lifeless skins, inviting reflection on personal characteristics and envisioning a world where animals assert control, reversing the roles of accessory and food. The series asks, "What if the animals had taken control? Are we accessories to wear? Are we food?" These sculptures create the illusion that we see our own characteristics and skin through them, equalizing the perception of the model, whether domestic or wild. The work aims to bring these questions to light, encouraging thoughtful consumers to be more aware of our extreme consumption of meat. Have we succeeded in completely unbalancing nature in its pure state? Now is the time to repair our damage, restore respect to the diversity and integrity of all beings, and take care of our shaken planet.

This body of work encourages deep reflection on the relationship with nature, the ethics of consumption, and the complex layers of identity that define existence. Rad Hourani's "SKINIMAL" series stands as a testament to the interconnectedness of life and the necessity of awareness in a world increasingly shaped by human impact.

© RAD HOURANI

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