Wearable Art: Intersections of Art, Activism, and Fashion (VA4315.01) (new days/times as of 4/25/2022 )

Michael Sylvan Robinson

Taught by guest faculty Michael Sylvan Robinson ‘89, internationally exhibited fiber artist and activist, this three week module will culminate with a fashion art event to be held on reunion weekend showcasing original wearable art works by participating students. We’ll study the use of clothing and fashion as a tool of activist expression and political action including women’s suffrage movement, Black Panthers and Civil Rights era, ACT UP and Queer Nation, as well as environmental activism of Extinction Rebellion. Sylvan will work with students to support creating their own wearable art piece embodying identity expression or activist messaging, in which use of materials may be a component of the values for creating or wearing such a garment. Together the class will collaboratively organize and plan the fashion art showcase event to be shared with the intergenerational Bennington community during Reunion weekend. Statement of interest required.

Sessions:

Friday: 9/9 and 9/16: 4:10PM-6:00PM

Saturday and Sunday: 9/10 and 9/11: 1:40PM-3:30PM

Saturday: 9/17: longer session will include set-up, rehearsal, and event (exact times TBA)


Learning Outcomes:
Understanding historical contexts for clothing as a tool of activist expression and political action
Designing and creating one wearable art piece embodying personal identity expression or activist messaging as a primary artistic intention
Consideration of materials use as component of values and intention for creating work
Collaborative organizing and planning for culminating community fashion art showcase event to be held on reunion weekend


Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Prerequisites: Interested students should contact Chip Schoonmaker (cschoonmaker@bennington.edu) by May 9, 2022 date for registration.
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 1
F, 4:10-6:00PM, Sa/Sun 1:40PM-3:30PM (1st module block)
Maximum Enrollment: 15
Course Frequency: One time only

Categories: Advancement of Public Action , All courses , Drama , Fully In-Person , Updates , Visual Arts (VA)
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