Keira Moore
Blood Eagle
Class of: 2029
Major: Fashion Design BFA
Medium: Video, collage, constructed garment
Faculty: Simone Kearney
Prompt: The definitions of “value” and “empathy” are explored through the investigation of personal objects, their relationship to their owners and the stories they reveal about life. To this end, you will pick a notable historical figure that you are interested in learning more about, and for whom there are many English language sources. From there, you will think about an object that is present in that person’s biography that you might like to work on in studio. In connection with your major of interest, you will design a sentimental object for your person (ex. Fashion design majors could choose a garment). The choices reflected in the design must communicate a sense of empathy for what your person would have valued/needed/desired in their life. At the same time, we will consider how the object that you make shifts and is uprooted from its original context and perhaps even value — in that it is not from the real life of the person being studied, but is an imagined object, one that is inflected both with your own sensibility and individuality, as well as aspects of the historical person’s life. The object in question will be a synthesis of real and imagined, old and new. In seminar, your research and consideration of your topic will take the form of a research paper.
My work resembles an ancient Viking torture method, the Blood Eagle. I chose Rick Owens as my historical figure because of his extravagant, goth-inspired designs. I took inspiration from his use of sharp lines on simple fabric. I wanted my garment to be very sleek from the outside, like elevated workwear. The shirt can be zipped to hide the simulated gore on the inside. When unzipped, it shows the blood eagle (the victim is cut from the spine, their ribs are pulled apart, and their lungs are spread like wings). I learned how to create the pointed shoulder silhouette from Rick Owens’ own work. I created a mixed playlist to go along with the viewer’s experience, as I believe sound is extremely important to enhancing viewing. Owens also believes the best way to promote a brand is through fashion shows, as it combines visual and auditory works. Along with this, I created a video to show the transformation of the “blood eagle”. The fabric I chose was light on its own, a simple cotton, to which I attached heavyweight interfacing and light polyester lining. On the lining, to create the gore, I mixed red paint and spread it around the pieces. I also used painted cotton balls to add dimension.