Marco Damascelli's 'In Crociati' Documents ACL Surgery Scars

Photographer Marco Damascelli, based in Milan and originally from Bari, has created 'In Crociati,' an intimate photographic project exploring scars from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. The series captures the scars, skin, and composition of nine subjects' knees, highlighting the diversity of surgical techniques and individual healing processes. Damascelli uses analog photography to document the beauty and uniqueness of each scar, which range from thin and barely visible to more pronounced marks. The project aims to reframe surgical scars as symbols of strength and rebirth, emphasizing the personal stories of recovery and resilience. Damascelli notes that while all subjects underwent the same two surgical techniques, the variations in scar appearance stem from the surgeon's manual skill and the patient's unique healing response. The work contributes to a broader appreciation of scars as testimonies of lived experiences rather than mere physical marks.