Confronting Morphology

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Confronting Morphology is an installation of 50 3D printed figures created from individual 3D body scans data. Amassed collectively, the figures anonymously expose the variety of body shapes, sizes and postures. The 1/16 scale figures invite the viewer to consider morphological anthropometric diversity in a micro scale. This work represents a greater body of research which questions fashions habituation with the average, standard or ideal body. Which body types are excluded from the fashion system? What is fashion's normal? Confronting Morphology was selected by an international jury of curators and exhibition professionals, to be shown as part of the 2015 IFFTI Conference hosted by Polimoda, Florence. It was exhibited at the Basilica Santa Croce, prior to and during the conference. The work was installed in the Basilicas Opera Museum wing surrounded by religious icons dating from the 13th to 17th century. The works central position in the room evoked the notion of humans as anthropocentric (digital) entities. The body models provide a tangible account of body geometry, serving as mementos to investigate the application of 3D technologies for apparel design and development. The figures were produced in ABS silver polymer by 3D printing body scanned cloud point data from human body scans. The juxtaposition of these digitally produced figures within historic religious artefacts creates a distinctive representation of the human form created via contemporary technology processes. IFFTI serves as the international forum for the exchange of ideas and collaborative research for leading fashion education institutes. Polimida facilitated venues such as Santa Croce for installations, the National Library for conferences and performance, the Odean Cinehall for panel discussions and film. The exhibition was attended by both fashion and research peers and the broader public. The work was reviewed by Dobrila Denegri, Artistic Director for the Centre of Contemporary Art Torun.