I explore the relationship between the physical and the digital within my work, with elements of tactile DIY styling and digitally modelled and manipulated processes. My focus is often on themes of counter-culture and anti-fashion, generating concepts beyond the realm of fashion and into the practice of visual artistry.
A huge focal point of my work is physicality, such as tactile DIY styling and props. I always ensure to be resourceful and conscientious when creating my characters, by upcycling found materials and only using pre-loved clothes to combat the amplifying effects of fast fashion. All my props and styled items are repurposed materials, and I make sure I carry this out through my work to create a sustainable practice.
INSPIRATION
I am inspired by both physicality and digital design to create conflicting post-humanistic narratives and humanoid characters within my creative process, referencing dystopian sci-fi folklore and cyberpunk narratives. I like to surround my narratives around my own developed 'universes', inhabited by humanoid other-worldly characters, often exploring conflicting narratives of dystopias and utopias and the culture tribes colonies that these environments devise.
Using 3D modelling software, I can fully conceptualised my own individualistic landscapes that I have envisioned for my characters and narratives. Using a multi-disciplinary approach to my content, I combine CGI rendered imagery with tactile styling to create juxtaposition and push the physical binaries of our society. Another impactful theme within my work is that of 'Otherness' and Binary Opposition, which reinforces the taught 'norm' within our society, and has been present since colonial beliefs.
DETAIL
During the pandemic I was stuck alone in my university house as all flights back to my home South Africa were cancelled. Being isolated, in an unprecedented time, brings up a few issues such as a lack of productivity, over indulgence in recreation activities and metal health issues. However, living in Bristol always has its up and I would go on daily walks collecting unwanted items from the street, or as I call it 'street shopping'. This series of self portraits reflect my isolated experience during the pandemic, all all props and set were found items during my attempts to stay sane. The entire set was made in my room as well as props that represent stages of my lockdown experience, reflecting what it was like being stuck in a room alone for 2 months.