The work evolved from an embodied encounter with a 1980’s vintage dress, resplendent with shoulder pads, puffy sleeves, ruching and a full skirt, discovered in a ‘slow fashion’ boutique in Brussels, Belgium. The touch of the fabric on my skin ignited a phenomenological connection to the history interwoven within its threads. This experience prompted me to reflect on the fulfillment I found in adopting slow fashion practices and informed my creative practice. In creating the work my intent was to prompt the viewer to challenge concepts concerning our engagement with the world in the context of the contemporary culture of overconsumption.
The self-portrait drawing, rendered in analogous coloured pencils and a watercolour wash on paper, features the artist adorned with the vintage dress and an Apple iWatch. A blue vintage rotary telephone sits on her lap and her hand hovers holding the handpiece. She gazes demurely at the viewer, exuding a spontaneous smile, as if captured mid conversation. A blue phone cable extends from the phone base, further extending to a data cable dangling below the work. The figure is outlined in white, and the large size of the work invites the viewer to engage deeply into its narrative.
In this work, my aim was to respond to the theme of the extended body through the lens of self-portraiture, fashion and adornment. The vintage dress symbolises the slow fashion movement, highlighting the value of quality, sustainability and thoughtful consumption over the transient trends of disposable fashion. The rotary phone serves as an anachronism, transporting the viewer to a bygone era when life moved at a slower pace. The juxtaposition of the rotary phone with the Apple iWatch underscores the stark contrast between the meaningful communication methods of the yesteryears and our modern technological landscape which demands instant gratification. Just as the deliberate and time-consuming dialling of the rotary phone necessitates patience and effort, the work reminds us of the potential for more thoughtful consumerism in today's fast-paced world. The analogous colours and rose-coloured watercolour wash are an embodiment of the synesthesia experienced whilst wearing the dress and the ethereal white outline of the figure adds an aura of transcendence. The extending disconnected data cable acts as a parergon and invites the viewer into the work.
Initially, I experimented with graphite and watercolour on clayboard which was playful and explorative. However, after detailing the figure in oils, which ultimately overworked the painting, I re-evaluated the role of materiality in conveying my artistic message. My aim was to use the expressive qualities of the materials to not only reflect the representation of the self-portrait but to also reveal the content of the work. The soft layering of the coloured pencil was a deliberate and slow process, highlighting the contrast between instantaneous ‘selfies’ of the modern era and the contemplative slow self-portrait.
The use of pencils on paper was inspired by contemporary American artist Nicolas Uribe, known for his mixed-media portraits on paper. Additionally, I was influenced by contemporary Canadian artist Kit King, who incorporates unconventional elements extending beyond the traditional artistic frame, creating thought-provoking and boundary-pushing works of art. I was also influenced by contemporary Australian artist Del Kathryn Barton renowned for her intricate and detailed self-portraits that often incorporate elements of fashion and consumerism. Further, critical feedback from my peers played a pivotal role in refining my work. Their insights helped me fine-tune my artistic choices and further refine the communication of my concept.
Let’s Talk About Slow Fashion, reflects my exploration into themes of self-portraiture, overconsumption and adornment, inviting viewers to engage in a contemplative examination of their own consumer habits.
Rachel Wolfe
13 October 2023
Rachel Wolfe is an emerging artist based in Hobart, Tasmania, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Tasmania. With a diverse and evolving practice, Rachel explores various mediums and techniques to create captivating and thought-provoking works of art. To explore Rachel's latest projects and artistic journey, visit her website www.rachelwolfe.com.au or follow her on social media.
'Let's Talk About Slow Fashion', a Reflective Artist Statement was written for assessment, Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Tasmania
FSA124 - Critical Practices in Art: Bodies, Assessment Task 3 - Creative Response: The Extended Body, Reflective Artist Statement
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