‘Maximal Modernism’: My Graduate Collection

‘Maximal Modernism’ combines the Queer Maximalism and 1960s Modernism. The 1960s and Queer identities are very interconnected as it was a prevalent time for LGBTQ+ people, with major events like the decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales, and the Stonewall riots. Interweaving these events with the design elements of the time, while considering contemporary Queer Maximalism and the designers own identity is at the forefront of this project.

Maximalism is inherently a Queer design style as flamboyantly over-the-top fashion and design is so recognisably camp. This has been explored effectively within Machine Dazzle’s exhibition of costumes, ‘Queer Maximalism x Machine Dazzle’. Maximalism is a great tool for expressing self-identity and being unapologetically bold, so this project utilises this.

Through using bright, vibrant colour combinations, ‘Maximal Modernism’ emphasises Queer joy and the playfulness of identity. The dramatic scale contrasts of the geometric modernist motifs create a maximal collection of designs which are intended to wrap an interior and yourself in pattern to create an enveloping and immersive environment. The collection solely uses natural materials with a range of qualities and weights to create a versatile collection for a range of applications.

The collection is predominantly screen-printed which connects the collection back to the 1960s and expresses the importance of craft to express identity. The handmade nature of screen-printing creates a personal link between the audience and the designer through the areas of over-printing and slight misalignments which are integral to the human nature of a hand-printed collection.

This project won the Image and Pattern Award and the Studentship Award at the Norwich University of the Arts Industry Awards for Textile Design.