Pounamu Pushup Bra
Medium: New Zealand jade, bra fastenings, plastic coat hanger.
Year: 2014
Exhibited at Artspost Gallery, Hamilton.
My recent body of work, Unwearable Art is an exploration of what women wear to be attractive and socially acceptable.
The work was inspired by Unveiled: 200 years of wedding fashion at Te Papa, I was surprised to see the tiny waists and use of cosets for even the most recent dresses. I began to research the negative health effects of extreme fashion especially corsets and high heels.
Pounamu Pushup Bra is a development of this concept. Presently it is a challenge to purchase a bra that is not a push up. There is social pressure to have high cleavage and to be on display.
New Zealand pounamu was selected for the colour gradations and cultural significance. The bra is presented on a hanger as in retail outlets. The viewer is able to look down the front and into the inside of the bra.
A similar bra has been carved from Carrara Marble. I have also produced a wearable bra in pounamu that was accepted into the World of Wearable Art show in 2014.