Societal Restriction (2015)

A piece made during my Spring semester (RISD Freshman year, 2015) for my Spatial Dynamics class. The assignment was to create something you could wear that told a narrative. I took my influence and experiences in Japan, and created a folding screen costume that enclosed me in a box like way. While wearing the costume, I could not move around, and all I could do was give a short stiff bow, reflecting the often subservient nature of the working class Japanese salary men to their bosses or clients. All they can do in society is put on a facade, mask their emotions, smile, and bow while saying 'thank you' in many situations. This is reflected in my choice of using tracing paper, to make it impossible to see my body or face clearly. All that can be seen is a mere ghostly impression of it, and an organic, fleshy red from my coat.