To start developing my research I extracted shapes from my concept board and primary research, experimenting with different mediums such as charcoal, fine lines and fabric cut offs. This I tried to focus more on and produce multiple outcomes as it is what I lacked in my project in the Diagnostic stage. From this experimentation I designed 4 initial designs trying to present a visual representation of feeling watch, unsafe and trapped. I was happy with all my designs and believe they all reflect the reason why PREVENT is a failed strategy. I decided to create my second design which most reflects the feeling of being trapped. The strips of fabric are wrapped around the body, constricting movement. This is what the strategy encouraged authorities and public services to do; meaning people, mainly young British Muslims, felt trapped as they could not be free to do as they wish without being suspected for terrorism.
I think the end product is what I envisioned, the fleece fabric wraps around the body restricting movement. I am also very happy with how the zip turned out as I was apprehensive on how I would attach it without all the layers falling apart. However, it is slightly on the plain side. To improve it I would add invasive questions frequently asked by the enforcers of the PREVENT strategy, such as ‘Where are you going?’, ‘Who are you meeting?’ etc to make the viewer realise that these questions are constricting the individual. I could experiment with CAD print, embroidery or painting onto the fabric to see which would give the best bold result. I could have also extended the straps of the fleece to go over the face, showing suffocation. Suffocation is another emotion that can be caused due to the procedure of prevent. I chose the fleece fabric as I wanted something thick, fleece is also an insulating fabric which is meant to keep you warm. I thought this would represent the pressure (pressure causes heat) of these questions. Intrusive questions are also uncomfortable to answer or can also cause anger due to the invasion of privacy. The bodily response from being uncomfortable/embarrassed and angry is to heat up. White fleece was chosen because I see white as a pure colour that is illustrative of innocence. These individuals may not be completely innocent of all sins but are innocent of terrorism. The shape is fitted to show constriction but also loose in some areas, this changed the silhouette of a human and makes treating individuals in the way PREVENT are encouraging more acceptable since the figure is not completely human.
Dani's Blog 