Portfolio
'Dressing Body, Undressing Humanity' Thesis Collection
This collection is a deconstruction of human nature through the process of dress. This thesis explores the capacity of depravity within human beings using the symbolic decaying nature of the body as a metaphor for the decline of human morality. From the over-consumption of resources, the abuse of others, the massive scale of destruction in warfare, and our individual offenses against one another, we see human beings commit atrocious acts throughout history and invariably in our daily lives.
The body of work demonstrates these ideas through a dichotomy of “spirit and flesh”. Flesh referring to ephemeral pleasures or urges i.e. one’s own body, wealth, material possessions, food, etc, and spirit referring to the intangible pursuits of the soul: love, peace, joy—things one can’t find in corporeal objects. Through this duality, the thesis juxtaposes this dark side of our nature with our yearning for hope and a lasting satisfaction.
In a culture of divisiveness where there are high tensions and growing bitterness regarding race, faith, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status etc., Dressing Body, Undressing Humanity is a reminder of our collective humanity.
