The digital art collection titled “Beauty Marks (Vitiligo)” is inspired by the personal experiences of visual artist, Jay Doune. In 2019, Doune noticed discoloration of her skin. However, being a Black, masculine-presenting person, she was often brushed off by doctors due to the homophobic, transphobic and racist implicit bias within the healthcare system.
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It wasn’t until March 2021 that Doune was diagnosed with vitiligo. Constantly brutalized by wage inequality, limited access to a full range of health services, and knowing this issue is more than skin deep, Doune believed this condition is more than “vitiligo” and has yet to be tested for comorbid conditions. Plagued by frustration and angst, art became the therapy and outlet to process this new health condition.
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“Beauty Marks (Vitiligo)" follows 12 people of the zodiac and embraces the beauty in gender fluidity, Blackness and Vitiligo.
