White Light

Year 2009

Pieces 5

Silk and findings, 24” x 72”

White Light (2009) is a series of gown-like sculptures with significant references to boudoir and bridal couture. Each work is lit strategically from the inside to emit a revealing glow, illuminating the intricacies and details of the textiles, as well as a boned corset base. Embellishments in White Light appear borrowed from Renaissance and Victorian motifs, as well as patterns from the natural, organic world. This project draws upon the idea of ‘fashionality’, a term which refers to the semiotics of dress and adornment. Combining the words fashion, personality, and nationality, ‘fashionality’ reflects the interplay between clothing, identity, and culture — and, suggests that these concepts cannot be separated from the visual reading of the garments.