In Constraint of the Body Beautiful
Again, the corset is constructed in two halves:
- This time, using the stripped-down fabrics that underpin the structure: what might be seen when the stuffing starts to come out. Do you remember, as a child, being made to where scratchy, stiff ‘best’ dresses? Not being allowed to play whilst wearing said dress – so being constrained, both in clothes and in behaviour.
- part stiff but somewhat fragile materials, likely to tear with extensive wear or movement. Representing the suffocation of desire and aspiration.
Materials:
- Unbleached calico – panels alternately quilted or corded - to increase stiffness; plastic and steel boning; edges unfinished
- corrugated cardboard panels with paper, cork and string. Stitched together using traditional lingerie techniques
- stomacher – enamelled with sgrafitto and ceramic crayons.
Stomachers were a common element of 17th and 18th century corsets. They were generally made of wood or metal, intended to improve the wearer’s posture. Were often highly decorated on the outside, but sometimes also carried secret, erotic texts on their inner side.
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