FASHIONING OUR BODIES: A conversation on size, shape, and fashion

COLUMBIA, SC – When asked, a clear majority of Americans say they are not happy with their physical appearance and would like to look different. What is the cause of this widespread dissatisfaction? This issue is at the heart of the current exhibition at 701 CCA by Charleston artist Kristy Bishop.

To further explore the nature of the ideals we strive for in popular culture and the questions raised by the creations on view in Bound, 701 Center for Contemporary Art is hosting a panel discussion with four individuals who represent different aspects of our attitudes toward fashion and ourselves.

Allison Marsh is an Assistant Professor in the USC Department of History and works with how the items of everyday life, including our garments, convey information about our past and how people worked within the ideals of their time.

Sallie Boggs, a Senior Instructor in the USC Department of Retailing, works with contemporary clothing design, manufacture, and retailing. She recently co-curated and exhibition on Tee Shirts and their social messages.

Sue Nelson is a psychologist and social worker whose professional counseling has taken her into dealing with issues associated with body image and treating eating disorders.

Michaela Pilar Brown is a contemporary South Carolina artist who is well known for her stimulating exploration of issues of ethnicity and body in her work.

“Kristy Bishop’s recreation of 18th and 19th century corsets in her exhibition Bound opens up a lot of questions about how we still have some of the same ideals about our looks. We may not wear tightly laced corsets but we still strive for a thin and young appearance. This public program will allow us to explore some of the ideas she raises in more depth,” said 701 CCA board member Lynn Robertson. “Most of all we just want to get people talking about these complex issues we deal with on a daily basis. The ways in which we regard our bodies and cloth them can be avenues for creativity and happiness or they can create serious problems with self esteem and health issues. Why is that so?”

Kristy Bishop’s exhibition is on view until February 28th. The garments she has constructed with traditional and modern methods are beautiful objects but at the same time they challenge us to consider some of our ideas about the very nature of beauty. As she says, “We no longer wear these foundation garments on a day-to-day basis, yet there are pressures coming from every outlet to still achieve the ideal figure that is currently in vogue.”

Fashioning Our Bodies: A Conversation on Size, Shape and Fashion will be an opportunity to explore what those pressures are and how they impact our lives.

701 CCA is a non-profit visual arts center that promotes understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of contemporary art, the creative process and the role of art and artists in the community. The Center also encourages interaction between visual and other arts forms and stresses the importance of community interaction and discussion.

701 CCA is located on the second floor of 701 Whaley Street, Columbia, SC, 29201. During exhibitions the hours are Wednesday 11:00 to 5:00; Thursday and Friday 1:00 to 5:00; and Saturday and Sunday 1:00 to 5:00. For information visit: www.701cca.org.