Second Skin is a photographic series of self-portraits in silicone costumes that imitate female face and body, and that are normally used by men who practice Female Masking fetish.

The recent popularity of images of female masochism expresses not only sexual fantasy, but also refers to women’s position in contemporary culture. Depersonalization is thought to be one of the most radical forms of masochism - it is a denial of independence. In the times of rapid changes and when women negotiate new social positions and build an identity based on „independence”, can the feeling of weakness and powerlessness have an emancipatory dimension? Could objectification on demand gives a sense of liberation from cultural conventions?

• Zofia Krawiec on Second Skin, fragm.