Point of Entry (the Scar Project)

Point of Entry is a series of oil paintings depicting people and their scars and other sites of somatic healing. Painted on mirror fragments, each work contains a carved line defining the incision of the scar, allowing viewers to see themselves reflected within. Based on interviews with the subjects represented, accompanying texts tell the story of the scar and how subjects were able to overcome adversity, defy societal expectations and heal from trauma.

In 2021-22, Zeta worked with Safe Horizon’s Anti Trafficking Program, the nation’s leading victims assistance organization, to showcase paintings of trafficking survivors’ scars and sites of somatic healing in South Philadelphia. Survivors added their own artwork, poetry, and memoirs to the exhibition. The reception included panel discussions from two survivors and field professionals on creative healing, what justice looks like, and how we can embrace social responsibility. Pamphlets including local resources for legal assistance, psychotherapy, and housing/food assistance were distributed.

Zeta also co-led an art making workshop with trauma survivors in which they created painted butterflies. These were displayed at the exhibition as well as butterflies created by visitors with positive messages to the survivors written on them. 

In 2023-24, Zeta worked with Women Against Abuse, Philadelphia’s largest domestic violence service provider, to center survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence who experienced the intimate connection between scars, both physical and psychological, and offered opportunities to build strength and foster restoration.  Enacting principles of trauma-informed care including choice, respect, safety, social justice, and collaboration, interviews will include clients’ active engagement in designing their part of the exhibit.