Alessia Frescaroli

This project explores the theme of alienation in relation to the workplace and how people can lose themselves in soul-crushing jobs. I was able to expand the theme through a broad research that included writers like Marx and his theories on labor, Pirandello’s existential “trap” and Orwell’s and Seneca’s point of views on the theme. I visualized a secretary growing roots into her office chair to symbolize the loss of individuality and movement because of repetitive work. I am examining different sociological texts that treated the theme of alienation as well as pieces of art, films and plays... Key references include Bernini’s visual representation of Ovidio’s Metamorphosis, De Chirico’s Metaphysics paintings, Holloway’s manipulation of materials, and also Magritte as a starting point. The hands-on part involves experimenting with textile manipulation, mixing natural fibers with hard industrial elements. My intention was to create something that looks immobile but also that has an interesting silhouette. For materials, I'm considered the sustainable aspect, I used recycled textiles and biodegradable elements such as tree roots. The project has been documented through sketches, photos of my process and notes about material experiments. The final outcome is a sculptural garment that is very symmetrical and immobile.