Tweezer Shave - Joseph Michals (2009)

In “Tweezer Shave,” Joseph Michals highlights the relationship between the illusion of status and the “cleanliness” of presentation. Facial hair and its acceptability have been in a constant state of flux. Facial hair is one of the most commonly associated visual aspects of the gendered male. Drag Kings like Julius Kaiser take great care to properly mimic realistic facial hair. With the act of pulling out each hair, a few hairs at a time, Michals shows the relationship between pain and personal presentation. Each hair is given equal weight and each pluck brings the artist closer to a “clean” presentation while the hair that remains shows how society can fluctuate on what is deemed a presentable appearance.

Michals cites that his inspiration for this video performance came from his jobs in retail work environments. Dress codes, especially in regards to facial hair, have always been a source of contention. Beards, goatees, and sideburns are acceptable, but only within fluctuating, imprecise requirements. Showing stubble has always been an issue, but an excuse of, “I’m growing a beard,” usually puts those complaints to rest. He questions the stability of personal appearance and the need for society to regulate such actions.

Joseph Michals is currently a film major in the Peck School of the Arts, part of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His body of scholastic works includes that of comedy, documentary, performance/video art, and experimental film/video. He frequently addresses issues of doubleness and identity in his video works. He is also uncomfortable talking about himself in the third person.