The UN estimates that more than 250 million people could be displaced by climate change by 2050. In the context of increased migration and 'statelessness', Other Us is an exploration of the formation and survival of a future independent nation.
In the second half of the 20th century humans have ventured onto water to live in floating island habitations. Solas is a raft state located in the North Atlantic. The project explores the process of building a state and gaining the recognition required for long term economic and legal survival.
An established criteria for statehood: defined territory; permanent population; government; and capacity to enter into relations with other states is used as a framework to create tangible future artefacts. Rather than the practical survival aspects of life on an artificial island, the project instead aims to look at the long term priorities and financial incentives. It is a critical exploration of the implications of marginalising and isolating displaced people.
Photo credit: Tom Mannion (in cabinet) Nilou Estfandiary (grey background) Katy Shand (all others)
Created in collaboration with (Un)Known Collective, Home Sweet Home is a response to the UK’s ongoing housing crisis. The project is a materialisation of the collective's ten week residency at ArtEZ, The Netherlands.
What impact will minimal living spaces have on our personal wellbeing?
The UK builds the smallest new homes in Europe. In their 2017 White Paper on housing the government outlined plans to further relax the legal minimum space standard. In response to pressure on urban housing, apartments as small as 13 m2 will be marketed as an affordable and sustainable living option.
But in a confined living environment, basic personal needs such as privacy, space and time to be alone are compromised. (According to the housing charity Shelter, 92% of families in overcrowded homes said lack of space for privacy was a main concern.)
With their Home Sweet Home collection (Un)Known aim to question the impact of tiny living spaces on our intimate relationships, our sense of privacy and emotional wellbeing.
The Colour Experience is a chromatic experience exploring how to keep our minds and bodies rested in an age when we are constantly switched-on. Mimicking natures cues for daytime and night-time, the immersive film and soundtrack in turn relaxes and recharges the viewer. Blue light stimulates the senses, emulating the sunlit sky while red, the colour of dusk and warmth, relaxes and prepares us for sleep. The film was installed at Heimtextil 2018, Frankfurt. The overarching theme of the exhibition was ‘The Future is Urban’ - how we will make, live and create in our fast growing urban habitats.
Film created in collaboration with Anne Vaandrager and Charlotte Nordmoen for Heimtextil 2018 exhibition ‘The Future Is Urban’
Concept & Exhibition design by FranklinTill @franklintill
Photography by Jeroen van der Wielen @jeroen_van_der_wielen
Top: Embroidery Sample
Middle: Paper London A/W14
Bottom: Mungo Gurney S/S13
