Skin

Skin is the border of our body and it displays social relationships, power, and the effects of power, explains many things about who we are, how others perceive us, and how we exist in the world. It can also be a source of anguish and shame. Sergio del Molino, a psoriasis sufferer, includes himself in this gallery of monsters through whose stories he delves into the mysteries of skin.

Format: Hardback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2021
Publisher: Polity Press

The skin is the outer boundary of our body, serving as the medium through which we establish connections with others while also delineating our distinctiveness from them. Through our skin, we communicate through various means, such as by showcasing it, tanning it, tattooing it, or concealing it with clothing. Skin serves as a window into our social relationships, showcasing power dynamics and their consequences, shedding light on aspects of our identity, how others perceive us, and our place in the world. However, when our skin becomes ill, it can transform us into monstrous beings.

In his book "Skin," Sergio del Molino explores the historical and literary accounts of individuals who have been plagued by poor skin. These individuals include notable figures such as Stalin, who secretly indulged in baths at his dacha, Pablo Escobar, who would rise late and retreat to the shower, Cyndi Lauper, who appeared in a medicine advertisement promising relief from skin diseases, John Updike, who suffered sunburn in the Caribbean, and Nabokov, who penned letters to his wife from exile, expressing his frustration with the condition of his skin. Del Molino, himself a psoriasis sufferer, incorporates his personal experiences into this collection of stories, delving into the enigmatic mysteries of the skin.

For some, the skin represents a source of pride and self-assurance, a testament to their resilience and strength. For others, it is a source of anguish and shame, a constant reminder of imperfections and flaws. Skin speaks for us when words fail, conveying emotions, experiences, and identities that may go unnoticed or unspoken. It serves as a canvas upon which our lives are painted, a mirror that reflects our inner selves and the world around us.

In conclusion, the skin is a complex and multifaceted entity that plays a vital role in our lives. It serves as the boundary between us and the external world, allowing us to connect with others while preserving our individuality. Through our skin, we communicate, express ourselves, and navigate the intricacies of social relationships. However, when our skin becomes ill, it can transform us into monstrous beings, reminding us of the delicate balance between our physical and emotional well-being.

Weight: 446g
Dimension: 148 x 216 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509547852