Photoshoot numero deux

For the Shapeshift project I also modelled some of my friends outfits for the photography of our exhibition. This was for the work of my fellow stitcher Kate lawson.

More photos of Shapeshift

Shapeshift Final Garment

For the Shapeshift project we had to make a garment after developing a fabric technique inspired from our drawings. I produced a series of panels which I then put together to make the dress above.

Drawings from Shapeshift Project

Having found the images of testosterone crystals, I did a few drawings from sections of them as part of my research. I then visited the Natural History Museum to gain some first hand research in the form of drawings and photographs. 

Testosterone

From doing my initial research into testosterone, and looking at what I can draw for primary research for my project, I have come across testosterone crystals. The following pictures have been taken using polarized light illumination and photography:

Caster Semenya

I recently watched a programme on the South African runner Caster Semenya. In 2009 at the World Championship Athletics, she won the 800m race. Her winning time was 8 seconds faster than her personal best, and prompted an investigation as it was considered to be “the sort of dramatic breakthroughs that usually arouse suspicion of drug use” (The Guardian Online,2009). However it wasn't a drug test that was undertaken but a gender test. She was banned from competing until the results  were received. 

As my new project brief is to look at shapeshifting in relation to sport, I have decided to look into the use of steroids and the idea of gender. My starting point is going to be looking into testosterone, as this is something that is measured in a gender test and also steroids raise the levels of the testosterone hormone, giving you more strength and the ability to perform better. The 'shapeshift' between what classifies you as being a man or a woman.

My new project...Shapeshift

For my new project which is based fashion based, I have been given the following brief...

‘Shapeshifting’ has taken on currency in popular culture where humans morph into animals or take on super-human qualities that transform the body and its physical capabilities. In anticipation of the Olympics 2012, ‘Shapeshift’ asks you to take inspiration from the body and sport.

Explore the meaning of this word both conceptually and in relation to materiality e.g. fabrics that transform and shift shape, bodies that transform or shift shape in a range of sport/body contexts. Consider how the body can transform material and material can transform the body – this might be through volume, stretch, movement, multi-function, constriction etc.. Think of the body as a 3x dimensional surface across which colour, pattern, shape, image and form can traverse. Consider the space around the body and how the body extends into space through sports activities.