Another Met Gala, another opportunity for creativity . . .
ACT I:
it's coming from the inside
ACT II:
. . . they seek out to possess me . . . .
. . . they continue to haunt me beyond these reflections . . .
. . . they want to keep me chained into low-vibrational limbo . . . .
. . . . but i refuse to find comfort here
ACT III:
the journey towards healing
The second Met Gala of the High Fashion Twitter community lit a fire under me to expand the story beyond my entry and the duration of the event.
The theme encouraged everyone to find inspiration by introspecting, which led me to confront my inner demons. This process, called shadow work, was depressing and harrowing. I defined what the theme meant to me and created a physical manifestation of my intrapersonal horrors. But my gut knew it was much more profound than its initial incarnation and that I should explore it more. So, after much journaling, reflecting, and channeling my shadow work experience through art, I decided to share what I've learned so far with the world.
Although the battle against your inner demons and the road to self-healing is never-ending, I feel more confident about the approach I learned and the "tools" I've acquired.
Inspiration
a closer look into the costume
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This is the state of the costume set after 2 and a half years.
The impasto paint finish on the neck portion of the head piece has cracked and revealed the red paint underneath. Layers of dust has faded the intensity of the vermilions, blacks, cobalt and shadow violets. The zipper at the back of the head piece is broken. Seams unraveling. The curves and openings of the corset long sleeve top has yellowed and dirt has clinged onto the paint and imprinted itself onto the piece.
They all look like they're in the process of ageing. decaying or disintegrating. But all this is wear and tear is a sign that this piece is experienced. It has gone through a lot of things. This costume piece is showing physical signs of having gone through the trials and tribulations of shadow work, and then emerging from such a dark experience onto a path that leads to better days.
It is on a journey. And it is on a journey with me.