M-16 Tote Bag
Monday, December 17th, 2007
Transform:
Early in this semester, I did a series of studies in which I attempted to translate 2D space (sourced from photographs) into 3D paper sculptures.
I was interested in how these flat images attain ‘objectness’ when they are scored, folded and structured as a sculpture.
In answer to last week’s assignment, I made a number of graphic collages using images of parts of an M-16 rifle. In this project, I wanted to create a kind of illusion or ’subliminal’ message by displaying images that seem, at a glance, meaningless but on closer inspection reveal that they are constructed from weaponry.
In order to further develop this idea of ‘Transformation’, I continued this theme of the fragmented rifle and chose a specific part that held the most interest for me - the carrying handle from M-16. It is the one part that I could imagine having multiple uses, some of those non- violent.
I wanted to play with people’s expectation by transforming something violent to something ordinary - a fashion item.
Here, I am using it as another ‘carrying handle’, this time for a women’s tote bag.
