Project Overview
'Internally Bound' is a series of restrictive wearables that addresses issues of stigma associated with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). The objective of this project is to raise awareness about DID and increase knowledge and understanding about the symptoms and implications associated with the disorder.
The project consists of a six piece wearable collection, handcrafted from zephyr white vinyl and woven elastic. The wearables bind the human body in a way that restricts movement and challenges the participant’s haptic perceptions of each other and of their surrounding environment. In this way, the pieces aim to simulate the experience of physical restriction and loss of bodily control as a result of dissociation/ co-consciousness as experienced by DID patients.
SCOPE OF PROJECT
Collection of Wearables
Short Film
When worn for prolonged periods of time, this physical binding and restriction of the body may also lead to further restrictions in identity, individuality, privacy, relationships and restrictions in the participant’s personal and professional life
The structural fabric manipulations of the wearables imitate characteristics of bone structure; suggestive and symbolic of the internally concealed nature of DID symptoms. Though symptoms are not often physically evident or identifiable, they will have a significant impact on a person’s ability to manage their day to day tasks. This project aims to open up uncomfortable, yet much needed conversations about mental illness through a provocative and experiential medium, with the hope to reduce stigma and misconceptions associated with chronic disorders.
