collage

The Unconventional Body

In this workshop we used random household objects to make a silhouette on a mannequin and we photographed it. We then used photocopies of the mannequin to make outfits that we applied to figured found in magazines.

We used objects such as pillow stuffing, shower scrubbing, and paper on our mannequin

These are three examples of outfits that I made. I used the idea of the paper on the back of the outfit and repeated it all over the body for one outfit, also resizing the paper to give dimension. I also used a flower from the back of the outfit and enlarged it to make an oversized dress as an exaggerated silhouette.

I think that I could have been more confidents in creating exaggerated silhouettes for this project, and I also could have made the backgrounds more interesting or put more garments on the page to make the sketchbook look more busy and interesting. After I went to the VIN + OMI fashion show I created a spread in my sketchbook about the show which included some recreations of garments that I saw on the runway.

This was a way for me to take this workshop further whilst also relating it to other experiences I have had during the course.

The Exquisite Corpse

The exquisite corpse is a term made by surrealist artists who would use methods such as passing pieces of paper round and drawing on them or collaging as a means of creating new characters to use in their art. We cut out objects from newspapers that could be used as heads, bodies or legs. We then photocopied them, enlarging or decreasing their size. Then, we arranged them on paper to make characters.

My first character

The result can be jarring and almost comical, as this character is. The class described it as cheeky. I really love the shape of the lamp, at it really looks like the skeleton of a leg and is positioned in the perfect way to make the character look as if it is running.

This is an example of how I used different objects to experiment with the figures and then decide on which combination I liked the best. I used the last of these images; the towels with scissors for legs. I think that this makes the figure look like a wasp; with the triangular head and the legs almost looking like pincers.

These are examples of other ‘exquisite corpse’ figures that I created. I particularly like the one with the clock face and tentacles as I think that it looks more elegant than my other figures.

Sketchbook work in response to this workshop

After this workshop I drew some of the characters I had created to make them seem more like characters and less like a collection of objects. I think that this takes away from the overall look of the characters, however, as I think that the collage effect gives the characters more charm and personality.