Garments for a party [to which she was not invited]
My practice involves the making by-hand of garments that explore the interwoven nature of physical and psychological comfort and discomfort. I am interested in clothing as a means of silent communication; specifically regarding gender and status.
The appearance of the female body has historically been distorted by fashions dictated by social pressure. Why might a person tolerate physical discomfort? Is it possible to find psychological comfort in clothing? I am interested in establishing links between architecture and clothing as environments that can be at once protective and [restrictive].
This work proposes dressing for status, despite physical discomfort, as a coping mechanism; clothing here is at once resistant and submissive to social pressure. The quilted fabric makes reference to the overindulgent, yet >socially restrained<, comforts of the {upper classes}. The garments reference Dada’s nonsensical response to social trauma, and BAUHAUS costume parties influence my practice. www.ameliaserenroberts.wixsite.com/artist
