Mind I 2015

Curator: Rodrigo Franzao's "Mind I" from 2015 is quite the fascinating mixed-media piece. Predominantly a textile collage and assemblage, it challenges the traditional definitions of wearable art. Editor: It's so wonderfully quirky, isn’t it? Immediately, I’m struck by the unexpected collision of colours and textures; a sense of playfulness and almost rebellious energy radiates from it. Curator: Rebellious indeed! Considering the context of contemporary wearable design, the piece provocatively subverts the emphasis of a clothing’s commodity value. This could be interpreted as a statement, reflecting critical and economic resistance? Editor: Perhaps. The way it's assembled also reminds me of patchwork quilts passed down through generations – pieces of lived experiences stitched together, echoing narratives of resilience, community, and maybe also something imperfectly human, don't you think? The golden string handle is another element. I keep feeling it has a sort of preciousness to it – not so much monetary value but a golden thread that binds all the memories into one single piece. Curator: An astute observation! One could connect it to the theory of “slow fashion,” contrasting mass-produced items, mass incarceration, and environmental unsustainability to reflect upon alternative ways of social interaction that demand social and environmental responsibility. In this context, the bag could be seen as an ode to upcycling – a transformation into a work of art! Editor: Exactly! There's a deeply thoughtful process, but I love that it retains this rough, homespun, heartfelt aesthetic. I can imagine someone making this as a form of self-expression or even self-soothing. Curator: Absolutely. It encourages a deeper appreciation of design practices and resists the exploitative dynamics of the fashion industry! Editor: Well said! "Mind I" is more than just an assemblage; it embodies critical, sustainable resistance. Curator: Ultimately, "Mind I" inspires us to find beauty in the overlooked. It makes you wonder if we are carrying memories through fashion... Editor: It’s hard to disagree. As Franzao seems to be highlighting, the greatest treasures come through creative experimentation with what already exists and remains, in this world, available.