PlayingField:Body – Nail Art Between Physical Labour and Creative Self-Expression
In nail salons, physical labour is often carried out under challenging conditions in order to provide cosmetic services and meet clients’ expectations. At the same time, nails can serve as a medium for creativity and self-expression. As part of the event “PlayingField:Body”, a performance and a moderated discussion explored different facets of nail art. Here, you can revisit the evening and delve back into its themes.
“PlayingField:Body” was the second of three discursive events held as part of “hands on nails – we are open” at the Temporary Bauhaus-Archiv.
During the “PlayingField:Body” talk, Charissa Chioccarelli and Magdalena Bonamin moderated a conversation with the artists Maria Alcaide and Camilla Inge Volbert.
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Maria Alcaide
Maria Alcaide’s research-based artistic practice engages with the beauty industry, with a particular focus on nails. Through close observation and a subtle sense of humour, she examines the socio-political dynamics and social norms embedded in beauty-related services.
Her performance at the Temporary Bauhaus-Archiv drew on aspects of her work “The Managed Hand“.
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Camilla Inge Volbert
Drawing on her background in fashion design, Camilla Inge Volbert has been working with nails and nail art for several years. Her intricately designed nails are in high demand and have featured in numerous avant-garde fashion shoots. Despite her established position within the industry, Camilla is also familiar with its less visible and more challenging aspects. During the event “PlayingField:Body”, she drew attention to these issues and the difficulties faced within the industry.
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Charissa Chioccarelli und Magdalena Bonamin
At their studio, isla Berlin, Charissa Chioccarelli and Magdalena Bonamin bring together different forms of self-expression. Nail art, tattoos, piercings and fashion are central to their practice, as is the cultivation of community. For “hands on nails” isla Berlin developed a do-it-yourself station where visitors could experiment with nail art independently and explore their own creative ideas.
