This project was inspired by my experience with the skin condition Psoriasis and influenced by the book by Lesley-Ann Noel entitled Design Social Change. Noel wrote that “joy can be an antidote to one of the pitfalls of design for social change.” After reading Noel’s book, I felt that it would be galvanising to imagine a society where everyone would be celebrated and accepted just as they are. \My project, In Your Skin, is a mock-curated exhibition at the Wellcome Collection (a museum that challenges thoughts about health and art). I created a logo, promoted marketing, and created art. I curated an exhibit with real work from other artisans from around the world, focusing on celebrating skin. I also made a book based on an original poem I wrote to embody the notion of confidence and in one’s own skin.

Through my research and interviews, I discovered that most of society can relate to the concept of wanting to feel comfortable in their own skin and included. This is an original poem I wrote to speak to that desire and then the accomplishment of feeling secure in oneself. All of the imagery focuses on settings where one might feel insecure or vulnerable such as on a first date, on a stage, in a job interview, presenting to a class, at the beach or pool or other times in nature.