Life Scars
February 4 - April 8 2006.
Rachel Clowes
Rachel Clowes has had a very busy time since her last visit to Manchester Craft and Design Centre as a contributing artist. That was back in Summer 2003 as part of the group show “All The Young Dudes”, just after she graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a BA (Hons) in Embroidery. Now returning for her first solo show, Rachel has a very impressive CV to show off. Her work has been shown at the DKNY flagship store in London. The London Printworks Trust awarded her the “Surface” bursary and residency at their studios, out of which came the work for “Dark Stories”, shown at the London Printworks Trust and the Glasgow School of Art. Most recently, Clowes featured in “Touch Me” at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Now back in Manchester with a collection of recent work investigating body adornment and decoration, particularly body scarification, Clowes extends and compliments her earlier work that explored tattooing.
In researching the work, Clowes looked for common themes between western experiences and those from countries with a tradition in body scarification, mostly in Africa and within some Aboriginal communities in Australia. She explains: “I was looking for stories that we all share – like getting along with friends, impressing your parents and feeling sadness at the death of a loved one. The scars in my work represent a narrative of life, and each piece tells the story of its owner.“
Life Scars comprises two collections or ‘families’ of dresses. The first, in black organza, talks about fitting in, being one of the crowd and the hierarchy of society. The scars are ‘earned’ as we get older, marking the passage of time. The goal is to get all the marks before we embark on marriage. The second series, in white organza, represents family lineage and achievement on an individual basis – showing elements that make us stand out from others. The dress forms are printed with Clowes’ own family memorabilia including swimming certificates, GCSE passes and badges from the girl guides. In addition to the black and white dresses are a number of ready to wear fashion pieces, showing Clowes’ proficiency with more accessible and wearable designs.
Clowes’ work raises interesting questions on identity, culture and social norms, while her technical excellence in print and embroidery draws the eye to extraordinary detail.