1. America

What is the major concept of the project?

To explore, highlight and exaggerate aspects of three selected cultures regarding the representation of women throughout time. While the body of work will evidently portray these distinct cultures, my aim is to create a blurred line between what is past and what is present, further raising the question of “how far have we really come.”

What is working within the project?

Choosing to portray my subject matter through select, iconic garments of the distinct cultures overtime, I feel that the project successfully embodies the concept of the changing perception of women. While this is my first time designing and sewing clothes, I think the techniques I have adapted thus far have worked in my favour.

What are the major challenges?

Establishing a clear concept, which is then transformed into a garment can present certain difficulties. While I aim to convey this piece in a light hearted, theatrical way, I want to obtain a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic. Further challenged include the physical assemble of the pieces. The sewing machine, measurements, patterns and connecting techniques are all very foreign to me.

What are your biggest unanswered questions?

My questions relate more to my research question rather than the final piece. It’s concerning yet fascinating to me how despite these distinct cultures, women continue facing issues of self-identity or are criticised for not meeting standardised ideals which are usually determined by the beliefs of society or, in more recent times, the media.

Proposal

In a reflection of the changing representations of female roles and form, I’ve chosen to centre my project around three distinct cultures; European/Renaissance, Japanese and American, highlighting these transformations while depicting the inherent struggles associated with being a women during these societies. By using non-conventional materials to make an assortment of lingerie, each garment will work to allow an alternative insight into an aspect of the culture. This body of work will then be photographed in a studio, using facial expression, body language and angle of the shot, juxtaposing two opposing frames to highlight the ambiguous nature surrounding the representation of women in the media and various communities.

(Private viewing during trip to Met)

Student Work

My final series of portraits, achieved through multi-layering and manipulation of selected images ultimately depicts what I feel to be three monumental aspects of my life. There are six portraits altogether, each acting as a mirror image. By choosing to print the images on double side paper, a dynamic tension between the opposing frames is highly excentuated, ultimately iinfiltrating the frame.

To finish off my project, I played around on photoshop using different double exposure techniques. First, I cropped my head shot so that it’s isolated from the background (using the pen to select and the refine tool to dispose of all unwanted, loose hair). Then, copying the selection over to my backdrop of images I have collaged, I began to work my two images into one. Carefully using a masking layer on my back image, I finished by erasing, manipulating levels, and then choosing a Screen blending option to create an overall, ghostly blend. On close observation you can identify the images in the backdrop that create a dreamlike disposition. 

Backgrounds of double exposure series.