Selma Mataich

Selma Mataich’s BA thesis Embodying Objects explores fashion as a tool for artistic work, studyinghow garments are defined, and where the limits of that definition lie, approaching dressing as aperformative act. What kind of things do we wear consciously, and what unconsciously? Thisdichotomy is carried through the research to the collection, where it manifests itself as the coretheme, touch. The ensemble consists of wearable sculptures that combine working methods relatedto fashion and visual art. All five pieces are worn only through touch, meaning that they stay on thebody through the active presence of the wearer with their hands. This theme continues in thematerials, which are a product of intuitive handwork. "How does the attitude towards a garment change when it requires complete presence to be worn, for the wearer and the viewer?" The collection is approached as a process-based exploration of research through materials andshapes. It is constantly evolving and alive."I am constantly surprised by the outcomes, which is what keeps me interested to delve deeper. Everypiece is its own material exploration, that gave me the opportunity to try out different techniques likeMultiweave, a new weaving technique, and how glass could be combined with soft materials. I speakthrough my body and my hands turn the formless meanings in my mind into physical, concrete,tangible objects."