Parsons Challenge

Independence? - 13" x 15" - Recycled electrical cables on bristol - 2020

As part as my application for Parsons School of Design, I had to create an artwork inspired by another one in my portfolio. I chose to base my new piece in the artwork Independence? which is part of the Connections collection.

I chose to create a 10-piece illustrated fashion collection which is inspired by the artwork not only aesthetically but also conceptually.

The final product was a short video that showcases the two garments from the collection that I made (8 and 9 in the illustration). They were modeled by my sister Julieta and her friends Martina. The video was filmed, directed and edited by me.

As part of the assignment, I also had to create an essay that outlines my process and ideas. you can read the full essay here:

For the Parsons Challenge, I chose my artwork titled “Independence” as inspiration for a mini fashion collection. This piece is based on the following question: if two people who have an exceptionally strong bond, such as soulmates, are they two independent individuals or one? This question has many different aspects that can be analyzed in various manners, and a fashion collection is the medium which allows me to develop this concept the most. I was also inspired by the aesthetics of the artwork because shape and color play a big role in it. I was able to investigate how aesthetics can be intertwined.

This collection explores the evolution of a bond that is so strong that two people become dependent on each other. The first two garments are based on the restraint that these types of relationships can cause, which also show freedom by contrast. The next two outfits aim to show a sense of entanglement as they are inspired by the abstract middle part of the artwork. Outfits 5 and 6 represent the idea of “two things being one” that the artwork explores. Each outfit is formed by many different components that contribute to the final look. The open-ended shapes in the artwork were the inspiration for the next two outfits. I wanted the long strips to give an idea of continuity and growth. The last two outfits represent closure and a person who evolved because of this relationship. What I found the most difficult while creating this collection was representing a bond between two people in garments for only one person, rather than making matching duos.

I finished this project by prototyping two of the garments, which was the most challenging part as my garment-making skills are beginner level. I started with outfit number 8, for which I made a sweatshirt and jogger pants and then used ribbon for the strips. This process mimics how one has to build relationships with something or someone new in order to evolve. I also made outfit number 9, which started as a simple black dress but then I cut panels, which I covered with intertwined ribbon. In this case, the process represented ripping up something basic to transform it into something new and stimulating. The messages behind both processes are what I wanted to communicate with the collection and initial artwork: personal knowledge and growth caused by a relationship. I showcased the garments in a fashion short, which exhibits the movement of both garments together. Despite that the main concept of the film is not the one of the inspiration, it still shows the freedom and fun that I wanted the garments to portray.

Overall, I intended for this collection to illustrate what a strong bond can do to one person and how that influences personal growth. I am very pleased with how this turned out as it reflects how my mind works artistically and how I use conceptual and visual inspiration for my art.