Janis Rafa
The Space Between Your Tongue & Teeth
2023
3-channel video, 9 min
Courtesy the Artist

THE BLANK CONTEMPORARY ART
99 WORDS WITH JANIS RAFA

In a horse’s mouth there is an area where no teeth grow.
A vacuity of space exists along with the interdental space.
And in this break,
within the gap left in between the incisors and premolars,
there’s an artificial portal,
allowing tame,
imposing control,
forcing discipline.

The bit, this irresistible jewel,
is now hosted by the horse’s mouth,
beholding a system of expansion.

Your back left teeth grew like mountains.
Opened holes in the gums.
You couldn’t eat.
Your body wouldn’t listen.

Your teeth a sign of torture.
Your mouth a proof of resistance.

I betrayed your mouth endlessly.

[Ioanna Gerakidi and Janis Rafa]