It’s a cold winter day as we meet in front of the studio.

In the beginning I neither know their stories, nor their names.
Once the two young ladies have put off jackets and pullovers I can catch a first and touching view on these traces of devastation.

Patterns of scars are witnessing deep and painful cuttings through skin and flesh.

 

The project initiated and guided by a youth therapist focusses on the widespread scarification mainly done by young persons.

Often this self harming becomes a gravely and life-threatening problem which is hardly treatable.

Hidden behind long shirts the scarification refers to complex psycho-trauma and deep suffering.

 

Without comment the photographs are trying to show both - the vulnerability of the young soul as well as the traces of engraved distress and deep helplessness inside.