Death Becomes Her

Death Becomes Her was an extraordinary exhibition dedicated to showcasing the range of mourning attire from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. These dresses not only served as a way to mourn the departed, but also made a bold fashion statement, highlighting the women's eerie yet elegant presence.

To capture the essence of these hauntingly beautiful gowns, I created three distinct motion-based artworks: an outdoor installation, an indoor display, and an interactive indoor experience.

In the outdoor installation, I brought the interior of The Anna Wintour Costume Center to life. Through a glitch in the typography and a striking blood red accent color, I aimed to captivate the viewer's attention and convey the eerie atmosphere surrounding these garments.

The indoor display focused on the intricate details and visual allure of the mourning dresses. By incorporating elements from the outdoor piece, I ensured a sense of consistency throughout. The dress gracefully slid up, revealing small but mesmerizing moments, evoking a feeling of motion for the viewer.

Lastly, the interactive indoor piece merged the previous two artworks while introducing fascinating facts. Visitors had the opportunity to discover intriguing information about the women's experiences during mourning, as well as insights into the dresses, materials used, and dyeing techniques employed.

In summary, the Death Becomes Her exhibition offered a comprehensive portrayal of mourning attire as a symbol of both grief and fashion. Through my three art pieces, I aimed to convey the ethereal beauty and deep emotions associated with these extraordinary garments.