A broken nose is one of the most common facial injuries, accounting for up to 58% of facial fractures. It’s a bold visual transformation, and its presence solicits immediate sympathy and inquiry. A broken nose begs the question- “what happened?” Its association with both violence and cosmetic surgery suggests an interesting parallel between interpersonal and internal conflict, and the outcome of a broken nose is dependent on its mode of delivery. A broken nose is inextricably linked to humor as well and has been the mainstay in slapstick comedy. In fact, the classic red clown nose is rumored to have originated as an on-stage injury of Tom Belling, a circus performer of the 1860s. In the 1970s tv show, The Brady Bunch, Marsha Brady receives a nose injury after being hit with a football; This is likely the most famous instance of nose injury in American television to date. The rest of the episode follows her attempts to conceal the injury in preparation for her date with a popular athlete, and she learns a valuable lesson on the topic of vanity and honesty. Red, swollen noses in literature are used to indicate boisterousness and debauchery, as featured in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, “What three things does drink especially provoke? PORTER. Marry, sir, nose-painting, sleep, and urine.” Nose-painting in this context is in reference to alcohol vasodilation, which causes redness and a puffy appearance in the face. Nose injuries occupy a space between several, seemingly opposing, concepts—temporary impairment/permanent alteration, violence and pursuit of beauty, and pain in the service of comedy. This series “Ooh My Nose!” is a visual inquiry into broken noses and each of its social and psychological implications and the intersection of violence, beauty, and humor.

• Shot on Kodak Gold 200 with Canon Rebel G