Humans and plants are made up of common biological structures. Both are comprised of mainly water, both are made up of tissues, cells and organs, and both plants and animals reproduce sexually. Plants and animals often share similar surface qualities-- garlic skin looks like human skin, cornsilk resembles human hair, and blemishes and bruises on food skin appear and function not unlike those on human skin. Skin and Hair Studies attempt to draw attention to this inherent interconnectedness of all living things, while subverting the notion of man’s hierarchy over other living things.

Though food and humans share common biology, our understanding of the ties between food and the body are primarily cultural. Throughout history, food such as garlic and onion have been employed for their healing properties. Garlic in particular is known for being anti-bacterial and anti-viral. Food nourishes us physically and emotionally, and our consumption and preparation of food is tied to everything from our cultural identity and religious values and our feelings of self-esteem and self-image.

Skin and Hair Studies take cues from the shared physical properties of humans and food waste—veins and skin, in particular-- to explore the cultural, emotional and visceral connection we have to food.