warding off the evil eye 1

Focusing on the interplay between textile design and pattern development; cross-cultural influences on the occult; and material manipulation, I created this blazer to marry all of these concepts into one garment. After purchasing the bold Ankara wax cloth, I was inspired by the large blue eye figures that repeatedly patterned the cloth. Using Pattern Magic as a guide, I created the shoulder sculptural peaks with clear panels to expose the shoulder. 

Researching the history of the Evil Eye and knowing that amulets and symbols depicting it is used to “warn” and ward off evildoers from crossing the paths of the protected, I created this garment to be a physical representation for warning. In nature, many florae and faunae puff up or carry spikes to protect itself from the harm that could possibly befall the intended victim. The textile choice as well as pattern development also reflects the spikiness of nature’s defense system. 

This exhibit won a Creative Research & Scholarship Showcase award in 2018 at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University.