Anna Rhodes

I have always been interested in things from the past - things I can remember and things that came before me. I recently wrote my dissertation around the current trend for vintage and second hand clothes entitled, 'The Appropriation of 'Vintage' on Second Hand Clothes by the Fashion Industry'. It was about the way in which the media took the age old idea of wearing second hand and vintage clothes - be it for quality or individuality, and bastardised and democratised the concept as a trend, thus changing the meaning and reducing the cultural capital.

Nostalgia, in our post-modern society plays a huge role. We are seduced by the idea of a mythological age that seemed less complicated, more safe and more charming.

Unfortunately, designers have come to rely on images and styles of the past to make their designs seem more warming to the client. I have seen evidence of designers who dress modern design in old clothes, a warm layer of nostalgia, as a way to make things seem comforting, whether the product/magazine/design is suited to the style or not. Obviously, good design treats nostalgic images with the respect they deserve, and uses them wisely. Some of my all time favourite design demonstrated this perfectly.

I have manifested this idea into a project which will result in an adult sized childrens coin operated ride. This scaled up, bizarre object will be fully working. Around 7ft in height it will give the rider the same experience an original ride gives small children, an experience i'm sure most people have had in their childhood. The ride will be in the shape of a giraffe. (below)

Accompanying it will be a log book documenting the decision making process, and recording every step of the way - e.g. why i made it a giraffe, why a ride etc. It will be a celebratory and obsurd object that i feel will look great as a 3D object in the show.

Graphics will be available to look at tomorrow.

Anna