/ S

This outcome was a commission from the fashion boutique, Browns. The invitation was to collaborate with the Paris based designer David Szeto, whose collection was to feature in the windows of the Browns stores on South Molton Street, London (14th to 22nd March 2007) and Sloane Street, London (16th to 22nd April 2007).

Given access to a small selection of clothing, I was requested to represent the designer’s signature style, and fabricate a series of photographic images which would work in correlation with a mannequin display in the boutique windows. A key item of clothing from the collection, a white, synthetic dress printed with fluorescent pink roses, motivated an initiative to explore the concept of ‘organic verses artificial’.

Perplexed by the revelation of rose blooms in November 2006, and the amiable vision of early cherry blossom in the month of February 2007, I intended to highlight this phenomenon of an unusual early spring season. Further inspired by the aesthetics and information provided within the NASA website ‘earth observatory,’ I utilised actual, physical evidence of a premature spring period, by incorporating genuine organic blossom branches, altered with artificial colour, a feature that is further imitated on the model’s body. This surreal representation combined with the inclusion of an artificial rose, acted as insignia of human ecological intrusion and a suggestion of a potential extinction of indigenous flora.

The photographic narrative interrogates the traditions of fashion promotion by its depiction of a spring season possibly existing for days, or being eradicated indefinitely. This perception is reflected in the project title, / S, an abbreviation most commonly known in fashion terminology as spring/summer. This title in combination with the subtle insurrection portrayed in the images highlight the underlying implications of current discussion about global environmental issues.

Current Research
My photographic work is united by an exploration of cultural integration, inspired by autobiographical elements and combined with an analysis of the broader culture within metropolitan life.

The politics of integration are one of the essential themes of my work. Not born in this country, and not being English, I explore ideas of identity and culture from an introspective viewpoint of being an immigrant. I am fascinated in the multiplicity of the environment I live in, and in response, I am able to create fictitious characters and scenarios based around elements of truth and perception.

These outcomes presented, highlight themes that will inform forthcoming research which will delve deeper into the ideas of identity, diversity, class, and the symbiosis of cultures.

• http://www.fashion.arts.ac.uk/34519.htm