Models on location and Critical Response
The finished models showed a wide variety of themes and stories. The 2 grey models in the back of this shot, while still in progress, evoked great interest and deep conversation. The inspiration is to have a female presenting character catcalling a male presenting character. The group shared experiences of being objectified as women by men calling out obscenities in the guise of playfulness. The idea that something isn’t funny unless both sides find it funny arose. Also the idea that men would presume to call out overtly sexual statements as if they own the situation was uncomfortably familiar. The postures of the models is key to this project and Jack talked about possibly raising the female presenting model up on a box or a plinth to have have in a position of dominance.
The two bus-driver models were inspired by a particular bus-driver in the area who dresses in colourful hats and clothes to brighten everyone’s day. Yaewon took her models on the bus and took photos in situ. It was very charming and the mini bus-driver evoked similar feelings to the real life one by surprising people with something unexpected and beautiful. This was a very successful way of bringing her art to the public. It makes me think that she must have been somewhat courageous to mount this unexpected display in public. She told us she is hoping to give her mini bus-driver to the person who inspired it, which, it seems to me, will complete a circle of giving joy.
There are many more stories and messages contained within these projects and these are just a sample of what was shared.