Nicholas Mirzoeff explores how effective visual activism is your ability to express and depict your opinions to solidify the importance of your cause. As a citizen in this global era you are constantly exposed to publication of opinion by mass and social media. Due to this era being heavily media-saturated, visual activism becomes a lifestyle rather than “a short-term project” (Mirzoeff 293).
I believe that clothes are a way to express yourself, but in many ways people are bound by the notion of ‘attractive’. Fashion is an industry reliant on consumerism. Fashion has redefined what it means to be ‘attractive’ to convince you to consume, but they might not even produce their merchandise in your size. Fashion is an emotional act, proven when “two social psychologists Hajo Adam and Adam Golinsky (2012) found that when clothing is worn that has symbolic meaning for the wearer, it also has behavioural consequences” (Johnson and Lennon). People begin to think that they need to look like the person in the poster to be attractive. We are constantly comparing ourselves – and being compared – to the imaged idea of fashion. This issue is not just a view, but a personal struggle as a larger individual.
Fashion holds the potential to both empower and depress, so I have focused my research on the singular aspect of body dysmorphia. This is a disease that tears apart the mind, then physically manifests to destroy the body. If the garments were designed for the many other bodies that exist, body dysmorphia would not be such a massive issue. It doesn’t suit you because it was not designed for you.
I have explored various art pieces that address some of the social impacts of the Fashion industry, including consumerism, unhealthy aspirations and empowerment of people to think independently from fashion magazines.
Whilst researching texts this week I found that thinness is identified as the main characteristic of ‘attractive’. This inspires a “relentless pursuit of thinness with power and control” (Bordo 164). In reality it destroys their “health and imprisons [their] imagination” (Bordo 164). Two designers stood out to me, Louise Petland and Kelly Osbourne; they too believe in the ethical equalisation in the fashion industry. Their products extend from the smallest size to the largest, filling a void in the market by catering to larger women. “Overweight… is seen as physically unattractive” (Grogan), but these two women have specifically designed each garment to be flattering on every size as opposed to enlarging the measurements for bigger bodies. By catering for all sizes, the exclusive nature of fashion is eradicated.
In terms of contextualisation to Aotearoa, I have a typical Polynesian build. Regardless of weight, I would still have wide hips, broad shoulders and man-feet. The fashion industry is westernised, designing for a slighter stature, so I would be a size 12 at the smallest. Beauty should never be a pre-set size determined by a multi-trillion-dollar conglomerate. Beauty should be a positive hauora.
The intention behind my artwork is to overtly respond to the lack of range in garments available for larger sizes. I aim to create a piece that causes consideration equality within the fashion industry and discourage body shaming of any size. I have decided to develop a fashion illustration, endorsing designing for all bodies instead of an idealised body. Petland reinforces the importance of this in saying it is “upsetting that I want… to wear a lot of the same clothes as a lot of other women are wearing, but there are not always those options out there” (Sprinkle of Glitter). I am not promoting an unhealthy lifestyle, rather demanding anyone be able to feel attractive regardless of what size they are at that point in time. Beauty should be a positive Hauora.
Texts Referenced: Mirzoeff, Nicholas. How to See the World: A Pelican Introduction. Pages 255-298. Print.
Bordo, Susan. Unbearable Weight. 1993. Print.
Grogan, Sarah. Body Image. 1999. EBook.
Johnson, Kim K.P and Lennon, Sharon. The Social Psychology of Dress. Berg Fashion Library.
YouTube. Sprinkle of Glitter: Why Release a Clothing Range? (Viewed on Tuesday 31 May 2016). Web.
We the Unicorns. Sprinkle of Glitter Interview Simply Be. (Viewed on Tuesday 31 May 2016). Web.
The Curvy Fashionista. COOL NEWS: Shop the HSN Stories… by Kelly Osbourne in Plus Sizes. (Viewed on Tuesday 31 May 2016). Web.
Glamour. Kelly Osbourne reveals new clothing line for sizes 0-24. (Viewed on Tuesday 31 May 2016). Web.
Photos Sourced: The Art History Archive. Feminist Art. (Viewed on 25 May 2016). Web.
UK Sport Nutrition Store. Beauty. (Viewed on 25 May 2016). Web.
Rivers Research. Social Responsibility in Fashion Illustration. (Viewed on 25 May 2016). Web.
Bustle. 11 Body Positive Photoshoots That Did It Right. (Viewed on 25 May 2016). Web.
Facebook. Carol Rossetti. (Viewed on 25 May 2016). Web.