FACING - BENETTON

An art project using acid to create, not destroy, beauty. Over the past 20 years the use of acid against women has sadly become increasingly common. Acid is a harmful substance that can be purchased just for a few cents. Acid attacks beyond killing, mark for life. The perpetrators of this violent and incredibly painful crime throw liquid acid at a woman burning her face and, if she survives, she is left disfigured for life with endless medical complications that can include loss of sight and speech. Acid attacks are most often carried out by someone close to the victim and are most often triggered by sexual rejection, refusal of marriage proposals or failure to pay a dowry. FACING not only uses this harmful substance, but the action of throwing itself, to create beauty, instead of violence. Acid is thrown at a sheet of metal and a woman's face remains untouch; acid rusts the metal and reveals a portrait of beauty and courage.