Power of Thread
Tate Exchange (28-29.02.2020)
Consumerism transforms the action of sewing to mass produce uniformity. Participants become conscious of their sewing, breaking the mould of fast fashion and the rules we abide to when we learn to sew. Sewing is fluid and continuous, the thread running along the fabric, mapping every stop, every turn. A subtle association to fast fashion is weaved into the scissor necklaces the participants wear, intent on aiding them when sewing.
This performance allowed me to experiment with audio and movement. Taking inspiration from Karen Sandhu’s piece “Itchy Archive“, I incorporated audio specific to the health and safety guidelines Tate set me to ensure the safety of my participants. Since many of the participants did not know how to use a sewing machine, instructions were crucial to teach them how to use the machine. The experience allowed me to see which movements I should direct the carts to move in to produce the best results.
JESSICA CHOI 