CULTURE NOT COSTUME
For my final major project at University, I researched and utilised my personal connection to Indian history, heritage and religion to create content that celebrates the amalgamation of both Indian and Western cultures. I designed a fusion-wear range based upon the concept of Cultural Appropriation and identity.
In the exploration of this concept, I began to question my view on my culture, subsequently leading me to me question my own cultural identity. I came to realise how much my family and I have ‘westernised’ ourselves in order to fit into society and therefore wanted to show how there is beauty in the fusion of different cultures. I have keen interests in design, illustration and product development and aimed to combine these skills in order to create a brand and capsule collection, that educates others about cultures that are often overlooked, challenge the status quo and empowers our generation.
Inspiration
I was initially inspired by elements of my culture that have been (are still are) appropriated.
This was done in the hope that my collection will showcase these well-known aspects of Indian culture in a reinvigorated light. Primary and Secondary images of Indian jewellery, Henna (Mehndi), Fabrics and Bindi’s were used as a basis for creative exploration. Additionally, the exploitation of Indian religions like Hinduism were researched, through images of the appropriation of religious symbols (the Om Symbol) and Gods (Lord Ganesh, Kaali Maa).
As I began to question my self-identity, my heritage and family history also influenced my designs through the analysis of Indian and western clothing worn by members of my family following their journey from India to the UK. Historic family photo’s of my grandparents, parents and relatives formed a sense of authenticity behind my research. I then began to illustrate ideas surrounding the concept of dual-identity and the balancing of cultures.
