Dysfunctional Wearable Objects
- Caroline Harding
- Apr 24, 2023
- 9 min read
Updated: Oct 30, 2024
Intro:
For this project we were introduced to the assignment prompt through a discussion of function and disfunction. These were the answers that my peers and I came up with to the questions posed to us.
When do we call an object functional or dysfunctional?
An object is considered functional when it serves its intended purpose effectively and efficiently. Functionality is a key aspect of design and refers to how well a product or object performs its intended tasks. Meanwhile something is called dysfunctional when it fails to perform its intended function or purpose properly. Dysfunction can be caused by various factors, such as poor design, improper use, or damage.
What are the characteristics of dysfunctional objects?
Dysfunctional objects typically exhibit one or more of the following characteristics:
o They do not work as intended or expected.
o They may cause inconvenience, harm, or injury to users.
o They may be aesthetically unpleasing or awkward in design.
o They may not meet safety or regulatory standards.
o They may have poor durability or require frequent repairs.
What does dysfunction have to do with art and design?
In art and design, dysfunction can be used intentionally as a means of creative expression. This is often seen in the form of "anti-design" or "anti-art," which challenges traditional notions of aesthetics and functionality. Dysfunctional art and design can also be used as a commentary on societal issues or as a form of protest. However, in most cases, dysfunction is considered a flaw in art and design, as it detracts from the overall effectiveness and usability of the object.
Prompt:
First, Contemplate how the body can be used in art through three questions:
What can we create that can be worn on the body?
What can we create that can be made with the body?
What can we create that can be about the body?
Think about what function means to you or your culture. Consider ways to explore that notion through art. Using any material, create an object that is dysfunctional, but wearable. The definition of wearable is open here. Be creative!
When finished take photos and video of yourself wearing the object. The object has to stay worn for at least 10 seconds.
Materials/process:
For this assignment, I ended up creating three different dysfunctional wearable objects: a pair of glasses, a shoulder shawl, and a top.
I got the idea for my first project by looking through my family drawer of electronics. I found a box of my brothers and my old iPods that had been sitting there for years. I thought it would be interesting to use these for a project. My idea was to create a pair of glasses using these iPods and other electrical wires. In this work, I was thinking about how there is this duality within technology and the view it offers, as it can both provide us with a new perspective that we otherwise would have been blind to as well as block us from seeing the world around us. Furthermore, the glasses themselves would be dysfunctional because the iPods would block out any vision making it hard to see. I started this project by creating a wireframe to hold up the iPods on my face. It was challenging to get them to stay on my face, but I managed to do so by wrapping wire all around the devices, creating these swirls to minic fake eyes.
Then after testing to make sure that they stayed on my face, I found old broken charges or connectors that I had been saving for a future project and hot glued them onto my glasses as flourishes to tie the whole piece together. Overall, I was proud of how this piece came together aesthetically and conceptually. It also really succeeded in its dysfunctionality because I couldn’t see anything at all when wearing them. If I could change anything about this project, I would probably go back and charge both iPods so that I could have some video playing on them while I wore them to add to the overall dysfunctionality.
The next project I created for this assignment was a shoulder shawl. I was inspired to create this when I was walking to class and thinking about this assignment when I saw a holly tree. I was immediately drawn to the leaves because of how sharp and pointy they were. I started off thinking that maybe I could create something that was supposed to be soft and warm using this stiff, sharp material to make it inertly dysfunctional. At first, I thought about making a blanket or sweater, but both of those options were too complicated to be completed successfully. Instead, I decided it would be more realistic for me to create a shoulder shawl.
I tackled this project by collecting a lot of leave and arranging them into a large triangle before starting to sew them all together. I started off by connecting them into pairs and then attached the pairs together until I had the whole thing connected. It was challenging to sew them together because the spikes of the leaves kept stabbing my hands, and the tread also liked to get tangled on these bits.
However, the main challenge I faced when creating this piece was centered on time. Because I was using live organic material, I had a short window of time where I had to pick the leaves, sew them all together, and then wear the object before the leaves dried and shriveled up. However, in the end, it only took two attempts at creating the shall for me to get down my sewing and timing technique in order to make this piece a reality. When I wore this object for the photos and video, it defiantly lived up to its name as dysfunctional because it was still very sharp and uncomfortable to have on.
The last object I created for this assignment was inspired by my classmate’s encouragement to try to make something using the different sets of glasses and frames I had. When working with this medium, I was stuck for a while trying to think of how I could utilize the characteristic of this material to create something dysfunctional. When trying to brainstorm, I kept returning to the transparent nature of glasses. So, I tried to think of something I could create that was not supposed to be see-through. I eventually decided that creating something like a top would be perfect for this material. I started creating this by deciding to split the glasses into two groups of three, which would be the cover for the top. Then after gluing them down onto a piece of cellophane to help them hold their shape, I pulled out some expired contact lenses I had lying around. I used these to create the straps and connecting pieces of this top.
In the end, this object was probably the most complicated to make out of all three. It was difficult because it had to be able to fit around my torso without breaking if I moved around a lot. I learned that it was necessary to reinforce the straps with string in order to help prevent them from breaking. Overall, this object was able to do what I intended it to do. However, If I had access to more glasses and an extra pair of hands, it would have been easier to create a more cohesive and stronger piece.
The entire outfit:
This is a short video I took mimicking a fashion show catwalk. It was extremely difficult filming this because the glasses made it impossible to see where I was going so, I had to count my steps and hope I didn’t run into anything. Additionally, because there was a lot of movement in this video and multiple takes, both the top and shoulder shall fell apart by then end.
Artists:
"Soundsuit" by Nick Cave. 94 × 35 × 35 in. Mixed media including embroidery, fabric, vintage toys, and mannequin. 2008.
Nick Cave is a highly acclaimed American visual artist, best known for his elaborate and vibrant sound suits. These wearable sculptures are often created from found objects and textiles, and are designed to be worn and performed in, blurring the lines between art and fashion. Cave's work explores themes of identity, race, and social justice, and his performances are known for their dynamic and immersive nature, encouraging audience participation and interaction.
"Nexus Architecture x 50 Intervention Köl" by Lucy Orta. 59 x 47 in. Installation and performance. 2001.
Lucy Orta is a British visual artist known for her innovative work in the fields of fashion, sculpture, and performance. She is particularly renowned for her "Body Architecture" series, which consists of a range of wearable sculptures that explore issues related to sustainability, social justice, and human relationships. Orta's pieces often incorporate recycled materials and are designed to be worn and activated by performers, blurring the boundaries between art, fashion, and social activism. Her performances are highly interactive, often involving the audience in collective actions and empowering them to participate in meaningful social change.
Website: https://www.studio-orta.com/
"Weisser Körperfächer" by Rebecca Horn. 110 × 106 × 1.5 in. Fabric, metal, and performance. 1972.
Rebecca Horn is a German visual artist known for her multidisciplinary approach to art, which encompasses sculpture, performance, and installation. She is particularly renowned for her mechanical sculptures and wearable body extensions, which blur the boundaries between the human body and the surrounding environment. Horn's performances often involve the use of these wearable sculptures, which serve as both props and extensions of the body, enabling performers to explore themes of identity, power, and vulnerability. Through her work, Horn challenges traditional notions of art, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and creating immersive experiences that engage the senses and provoke the imagination.
Website: https://www.rebecca-horn.de/
"Germination Day Eight" by Bart Hess and Lucy McRae. Performance. 2009.
Bart Hess is a Dutch visual artist and designer who is best known for his experimental work with materials, textures, and forms. He often explores the boundaries between the human body and technology, creating hybrid forms that are both otherworldly and organic. Hess's work includes a range of wearable sculptures and costumes that are designed to be performed in, often blurring the lines between fashion, design, and performance art. His performances are highly immersive and engaging, encouraging viewers to explore new modes of expression and experience.
Website: https://www.barthess.com/
Lesson Ideas:
Coat made of recycled plastic bags by uede https://www.instagram.com/uede.art/
In this art lesson, students will explore the concept of sustainable fashion by learning how to create wearable clothes using recycled materials. The lesson will focus on the environmental impact of fast fashion and how recycled materials can be used to promote sustainable fashion practices. Have students collect found objects that could be considered trash, such as cardboard, plastic, paper, and other small objects. Then, have them create a wearable art piece that is made out of this material. This lesson could tie into consumption and consumer culture.
Project example by Fredrik Tjærandsen
This art lesson plan is focused on creating wearable art pieces that undergo a transformation during a performance. Students will learn about performance art and costume design, and explore different techniques for creating dynamic wearable art using innovative materials and technology. They will design and construct their wearable art pieces, and plan and execute a performance that showcases their creation. The goal is that during their performance, their original piece transforms in some way to reveal a new or different work than what was originally shown. Through this lesson, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as reflect on the impact of their wearable art on the audience and what choices they can make to transform something.
General Reflections:
Surprisingly, I think that this project was my favorite out of all the ones that we did in class. I say surprisingly because I shy away from projects where the final product relies on my to be present to either show it or do some performance with it. However, I found that this project to be a unique and challenging art project that allowed me to explore my creativity in new and unconventional ways. The materials I used for this project included discarded electronic components, various types of wire, holly leaves, tread, glasses, and contact lenses. I experimented with different combinations of these materials and created three wearable objects that were intentionally dysfunctional and uncomfortable to wear.
This project offered me an opportunity to break away from traditional design and explore the potential of creating something new and unexpected. It pushed me to think outside the box and experiment with unconventional materials to create a wearable object that defied expectations.
As a teaching application, this medium and assignment prompt could be used to encourage students to think creatively and challenge conventional design norms. It could be especially useful in design or sculpture classes, as it would encourage students to think about form and function in new and unconventional ways. This project could also be used to teach students about sustainability and the importance of repurposing discarded objects. It could be a great way to introduce students to the principles of upcycling and encourage them to find new and creative ways to reuse materials that would otherwise be discarded. I also think that it would be fun to plan a type of fashion show at the end of this project to show off everyones work. The only area that I have concerns with is getting shyer students to participate in this activity. Perhaps it would be beneficial to allow students to have someone else wear their object to help with this. Overall, this project provided a valuable opportunity to experiment with unconventional materials and push the boundaries of traditional design.
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