Fashion Constellations: An open process and conversation on unmaking

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May, Katherine. 2024. 'Fashion Constellations: An open process and conversation on unmaking'. In: Fashion Constellations: An open process and conversation on unmaking.. Swedish School of Textiles, University of Boras, Sweden. [Conference or Workshop Item]

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Abstract or Description

Two practitioners work side-by-side and in conversation; a support structure that enables us to look closely at the texture and embodiment of fashion and using this as a catalyst and material framework, consider the global circulation and political, cultural, and ecological implications of fashion.

The performance is durational and takes place throughout the two days of the conference. It is the ‘making public’ of a non-linear method of material practice using unmaking as a form of thinking and making. In a simple work setting, we start from what exists, unpicking the seams of a collection of denim clothing, exposing the insides of clothes, creating loose movable pieces as ‘raw material’ to work with. The loose clothing pieces from various garments are then rearranged and brought back together into an oversized jumpsuit. The reconstruction process follows garment pattern shapes that have been pre-made from hi-resolution scans of other unpicked clothes pieces. The loose pieces are held into the jumpsuit shape by highly visible quilting stitches that join together the multiple layers of fabric that make up this abstract version of archetypal workwear.

Interspersed with the material process will be a series of readings from a collection of fragments of text that touch on the topics of friendship, support structures, labour, time and care. These will provide prompts for conversations with each other (and possibly the audience) that will be documented in notes on the dotted pattern paper we sit on.

The performance has two views; one, by eye ‘on the ground’ from a seated circle, where the whole setting can be seen and the unmaking process can be viewed at different stages as it evolves throughout the conference. Another overhead view is provided by a camera projecting close-ups onto a wall or screen. This view zooms into the texture of the process - the hands working together and responding to how the materials transform through the unmaking. It will also be recorded and played back to visually overlap different stages in the process.

Item Type:

Conference or Workshop Item (Other)