The central theme of this project entails a profound investigation of self-awareness. In the aftermath of the epidemic, society has been compelled to reflect on matters concerning the self and liberty. The desire to transcend the confines of societal constructs has led to a surge in women’s independence, confidence and power. Women are liberating themselves in diverse fields and circumstances by donning unique personas that allow them to break free from conventional norms. The approach to feminine empowerment, however, need not be rigid. For centuries, the strategy of using softness to triumph over strength has been utilized with great success. The soft and gentle yet powerful, refined, and flexible approach is a far better alternative to unyielding toughness.
The inspiration for this project stems from medieval aesthetics and Renaissance sculpture, specifically the sculpting of soft bodies from the hardest marble. Furthermore, I envision women to be like moonstones – possessing a ghostly sheen that moves fluidly beneath the surface of hard feldspar, akin to the way moonlight glows in water. To bring this vision to life, the project incorporates cotton, linen, and silk to evoke nature’s beauty. The use of metallic accessories adds a touch of rigidity to the softness of the materials. Drawing inspiration from the ballet ‘Orpheus and Eurydice,’ the project tells the story of the most beautiful Greek mythology with a tense body language. The creation of an “ideal kingdom” through dance, sculpture, and mystical religious rituals is a testament to the human pursuit of knowledge and expression of the thoughts on life and death, love, dreams, and faith.