The prompt I been focusing on was the idea of reinserting an unsung hero of the arts back into the public’s radar. I feel in today’scelebrity culture, the entertainment and arts media focus solely on the public display of certain celebrities and tend to ignore or forget the influential artists of the past. To begin my project, I had to first select a “unsung” hero to be the focus of my project. I chose Japanese Pop Singer Chisato Moritaka who was a successful and groundbreaking singer/dancer from the 1980’s. Moritaka was unlike the pop constructs of the era due to her writing her own lyrics and composing her own music.
I then decided on the medium for my project which was using popular apparel basics and using silk screen and digital images on them. I first began the project by using stencils and spray paint to create the designs hoping it would create a looser, street style theme. The use of stencils took multiple times to master, if one does not use an adhesive spray to help stick the stencil to the clothes, the design will come out misty and blotchy. After finishing multiple stencil designs I decided to completely discard the stencil/spray paint concept in favor of silk screen and digital designs. True, they are pricer but I wanted to collection to have a youth cultured appeal and have the feel of a t-shirt you would see in an Urban Outfitters or UNIQLO.
My key strategies for this project were to have a collection that was eye-catching and capture the essence of Chisato Moritaka. In addition, I wanted the collection to be displayed in the style of a pop-up shop to give the collection an exclusive feeling. To complete this task, I kept the assortment to popular basics that are essential for the young and young at heart such as totes, t-shirts, and crops. The merchandising is to be clean and shoppable with easy access to see now and buy now. I was influenced by the merchandising of indie fashion brands such as Wacky Wacko, whos merchandising and product placement is eye-catching and fun but also not intimidating.
Going forward into the Senior Capstone class, I want to continue the idea of creating an iconic status for the forgotten artists of the past. The prompt will be expanded to adding two more “unsung” heroes to the collection. I have already decided on Joan Baez as the second unsung hero due to her contributions to social and civil rights but also her continuing contribution to folk music. The third icon will most likely be on the rougher and tougher side yet I have not fully decided who I will select. The collection will again focus on essential basics but I will also include original designs to the collection that capture the essence of each icon. The project will again be shown in an exhibition that will replicate a pop-up shop but I will also showcase through my online boutique website, Instagram, and personal portfolio.
Art 4040 