Hello, I’m Arafa. I am a non-binary artist, living. 
 
 
 
PERSONAL 
EXPLORATIONS 
OF THE 
DIGITAL SELF 
 
During this residency, I will be sharing digital artwork in which I explore 3D scanning software as a means of archiving physical memory. Through video, I explore a means of capturing my body through real-time scans, thus creating moving images that looks like the skin is constantly fluctuating, a reality that is continuously being read, interpreted and often misunderstood. Follow me through this interaction with the software, as I continue showcasing various explorations that I will upload throughout the month.  
I, I (a poem about reclaiming my body and my autonomy) 
 
I, 
I am not a continued silence 
that remains trapped within a clasped hand-held coin purse, 
singing through my whistling throat as if drowning. 
 
I, 
I am not a ringing noise 
screeching over the night, like a siren, 
an unbolted screw yearning for deliverance, as if your hand alone 
can hold me in place. 
 
I, 
I am not a shivering palm 
groping at the world, searching aimlessly for the socket in which to shove my itching fingers into. 
 
I, 
I am not here to take or be taken as if a body only has one use then thrown, forgotten, 
like a naked, abused doll. 
 
I, 
I do not need my hair cut or my arms stretched 
or my chest engorged. 
 
A Study (a poem about discovering myself) 
 
[They] have created an edgeless persona 
one that is in constant flux 
the embodiment of a pre-pubescent  
being attempting to find [themselves], 
fit [themselves] into ascribed spaces. 
Spaces that need [their] 
defined limits 
[their] 
defined curiosities 
[their]  
seamless shame 
[their] 
fearless naivetee 
[their] 
crisp discomfort. 
 
------- 
 
I find myself looking back through previous work, into poetry collections I wrote before I began exploring the digital landscape. This is why [they're] confined within brackets, to give respect to the previous self that had begun this exploration without even realising. Translating this poetry into visual images has given me a glimpse into my own development and allowed me to remove myself from the digital being you see here. 
Our site uses cookies. For more information, see our cookie policy. Accept cookies and close
Reject cookies Manage settings