video
4:08 min
2020
ASM (abdominal self massage) is a research on the origin and strength of a physically perceived but unaccountable pain, and the physical manifestations of the relationship between subject, socio-political construct and bio-politics. The work was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A black pigmented oil, referring to printing ink, with calming aroma substances is massaged into the abdominal surface around the navel. An electrically charged voice is questioning how and where structures of power are inscribed into the subject and its body. ASM proposes a potential of pain which becomes an indicator of another form of “infection”. The stomach, as the central place of digestion, becomes the stage of the feeling of being consumed.
The processing of one's own flesh reminds of gestures used by treating material in a sculptural practice. The touched and deformed is at the same time touching and forming. The movements alternate between caring and destructive impulses and formulate an indecision between acceptance and aggression. While the camera work creates a macro proximity, the predominantly fast cuts prevent the overcoming of distance. Instead of calming down, an empowering turmoil develops - an affirmation of physical sensations and a somatic ability to speak.