The violence of cosmetic surgery and face transplants can trigger unforeseen consequences such as an irreversible change of the self. In Hiroshi Teshigahara’s The Face of Another, based of Kobo Abe’s novel of the same name, the engineer Okuyama undergoes facial reconstructive surgery following an industrial accident. The psychiatrist who fashion a ‘mask’ for him also warns him that the mask may change his personality, causing him to disassociate from his sense of morality. A second plot line follows a beautiful young woman with a disfigured right cheek and neck. Her obsession about a coming war suggests her scars are the result of the atomic bombing of Japan during World War II. In Cosmetic Emergency, Martha Colburn mixes news stories, found footage, and musical film sequences to deconstruct the notion of beauty via a collage of live action scenes and lyricalanimation even featuring Marijke Helwegen, known as the Dutch ambassador of cosmetic surgery.
Committed to building long-term and sustainable dialogue with our visitors, Hong Kong cultural critics, and intellectuals, Art Film Hour shows a selection of moving image work following a thematic every season. Art Film Hour is a sub-programme of Art After Hours, an event series presented by Tai Kwun Contemporary that will talk with you, sing with you, and strive to always show you something new. Art After Hours welcomes all visitors to experience contemporary art in Hong Kong live. Artists, writers, public intellectuals, and curators are invited to engage in talks, performances, and screenings.
