Stew
Group MFA Thesis Exhibition
Odd Numbers
Stew: Rewriting Visibility & Representation explores and reconceptualizes the narratives surrounding gender and sexual minorities, serving as the visual interpretation of my thesis.
The exhibition placed a significant emphasis on the queer female experience, stemming from my personal insights and society’s persistent disregard for and exploitation of the sapphically inclined.
My reconception led me to the roots of streetwear and lesbian bars.
Stew harnesses streetwear’s history of identity, community, and culture to reclaim authenticity, expression and community for queer women.
For the past three decades, lesbian bars have been on a steady decline from their peak in the 1980s. To underscore the dwindling of designated lesbian spaces, this exhibition introduces Edythe & Lisa’s Sapphic Oyster and Cocktail Bar, an ironic and contemporary concept.
Society’s comprehension of heteronormativity should extend beyond merely acknowledging heterosexuality as the prevailing norm; it is deeply entrenched within our institutions and cultures, creating significant barriers to genuine gender and sexual liberation. With intellect and humor, this exhibition challenges the heteronormative nature of our society.
stew
a combination of simmering meat and vegetables that make a hearty and flavorful dish
a state of great anxiety or agitation
to remain in a heated, stifling atmosphere
to suffer silently or to brood over one’s feelings, typically alone
the prolonged brewing of tea resulting in a strong and bitter taste to be steeped in or imbued with
Gender & Sexual Liberation Through Apparel
Using the main themes of my thesis paper to influence graphic apparel and accessory design.
Clothing and accessories i.e. pins have a history of serving social justice movements and political campaigns.
Using the same media to advocate for gender and sexual liberation through one’s self expression.
A Sinners’ Love Affair, Humanity’s Bold Rewrite
Adam & Eve turned Eve & Lilith, enjoying the fruits from The Garden of Eden with their serpent companion.
Blue Collar, Second Class
Blue collar inspired name tags as a commentary on the second class treatment of gender and sexual minorities
in a heteronormative society.
Pins, Stickers and Temporary Tattoos
Accessories to build the narrative beyond apparel and into various contexts i.e. water bottles, laptop cases, skin, car bumper stickers etc…
Stew Branding & Identity Process
A glimpse into the process behind the making of my thesis exhibition, prior to final designs
Moodboards
Finding inspiration from current brands and political statements from the past
Bookstore Research
Exploring bookstores to find type, layout, color and illustration inspiration
Brainstorming
Planning how to use the gallery space to build an experience
Logo Exploration
Experimenting with hand drawn typography, modeling clay and perspective
Planning Apparel Graphics
Placing vector art over my chosen t-shirts to visualize color relationships, placement and tag design
