feature: an exploration of scarification, with artist/model moniasse

My name is Laurence Sessou aka ‘Moniasse’ I was born in France and my roots are from the West African Republic of Benin. I am a Neuromuscular Therapist and artist/model based in London UK. I went to Westminster University and graduated in 2007 Bsc Natural Therapeutics. I have always been fascinated by the human body and art. When I started my degree, I didn’t think I was going to become a therapist, I had a genuine fascination and interest for the human body and healing. I enjoyed my studies and have become a successful therapist for the past 10 years. My journey with modelling is fairly new. It started 3 years ago in Mexico, my friends thought I should give it a go, they set up a photo shoot with a professional photographer and the journey began. Before I carry on further, I would like to say that in ‘no’ way I am sharing my journey to influence anyone into getting scarification. It is a strong process and not for everyone, my scars are not a fashion statement nor a trend. I am fully responsible for my choice and I don’t want to send the wrong message. Again, I am only ‘sharing’ my story with you and I hope you enjoy it.

By Moniasse, AFROPUNK Contributor

Photo by Salleh Sparrow

I love body art. My first contact with body modification started at home, my mum has scars on her temples. In my dad’s family, they have scars on their cheeks. Growing up I’d asked them the meaning of those markings, they told me ‘it’s the markings of our tribes; it shows who we are’.

I had my first tattoo at the age of 21, two little Anks (Egyptian key of life) on both wrists. Then a few years later I had both arms tattooed: my left arm was done by Sanya Youali (Mexico), my right arm by Touka Voodoo (London).

My scars were done by Iestyn Fly (London) and the work started in 2012.

Photo by Dekker Photography

The reasons why I chose to modify my body are profound. First of all, it is a map of my spiritual journey, a form of self-expression. The deeper I was exploring my being, the more I felt inspired to decorate my temple… I see it as a celebration of life, body and spirit.

Scarification is one of the most ancient way of marking our skin, it is a strong statement, I wanted to walk on this modern world honoring my ancestry.

The technique used for my scars was ‘cutting’ with a scalpel. Iestyn did a first cut without anesthetic that was quite superficial, then a second deeper cut was performed after anesthetic, the dotted spirals and flowers had some skin removed.

Receiving a scar is a beautiful ritual and painful process, especially when the anesthetic doesn’t work! I think it is important to feel these things; it is an initiation, this experience made me realize how strong I can be. To me the most challenging part was the healing process; it was very long (8 months to a year) and very uncomfortable. When kyloids starts to form, it’s like another part of your body is being created, and sometimes creation comes with pain.

The best way I dealt with the pain was transcending and meditating, at some point when the anesthetic didn’t work, I felt everything when my skin was being cut, I had an out of body experience and it was magical.

Chest scar: was performed at Shows Studios and filmed live by Nick Knight, it was supposed to be for a music video but was never used. I still haven’t seen the footage. The symbol on my chest has been inspired by the female reproductive system, the middle represent our beautiful clitoris.

Photo by Salleh Sparrow

Back scar: is a map of my spiritual journey, my Vision Quest, my dream… The sacred cross in the middle is the ‘Chakana’ this is the place where we keep the fire of life. The four harrows represent the four nations and corners of the Earth. The flowers represent the medicine plant teachers. The spirals represent the infinity of possibilities. So I feel like I am carrying a dream in my back: seeing the four nations of this world enjoying the fire of life in harmony with nature under the care of Mother Earth.

Traditions and rituals of ancient people and tribes are the source of my inspiration, I love the mystical, I love the magic. My grand-father was a Chief and healer, my grand-mothers were shamanic dancers. Animism is the path my ancestors followed; they believed in life and energy in everything, they have a great respect for the Earth. I grew up seeing my mum and dad knelling on the floor and praying to their Altar. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my ancestry, I am very proud of it… It is in my blood. One of my purpose is to make sure their memory is never forgotten.

(I had the opportunity to work with big names too. Here with Marc Quinn and ‘The Beauty of Healing’ sculpture exhibited last year at CAC Malaga. The story of the our meeting and the making of the sculpture was featured in a documentary about his life as an artist Marc Quinn ‘Making Waves’ was screened at the BFI film festival in October 2014.)

My ancestral history is influencing everything I am doing today: my healing work, my dancing, my modeling, my body art, my art, my life… Everything, and I am truly grateful.

As an artist model, I feel I have met a lot of wonderful creative people coming from all sorts of backgrounds. I am open minded and well travelled. Through my travels, I have learnt so much, I’ve met wonderful people who had different beliefs/cultures and yet we were able to connect. The reason why I wanted to share my story with the AfroPunk community is because I love the way the Afro alternative culture is celebrated/represented with so much integrity, respect and yet at the same time inclusive.

Thank you.

* Moniasse:

https://www.facebook.com/MoniasseModel

Instagram: Moniassemodel