The Costume (2013) video
This was commissioned by The Cutting Room as part of Digital Stage, CAST Award 2012 at Nottingham Playhouse. With grateful assistance from The Arts Council, England.
This was commissioned by The Cutting Room as part of Digital Stage, CAST Award 2012 at Nottingham Playhouse. With grateful assistance from The Arts Council, England.
“The Costume” is a black and white photographic stop frame animation, which playfully re-enacts the public and very English feat of undressing underneath a towel,
before and after a swim.
This lighthearted study in modesty is influenced by archive material relating to sea bathing machines, which, at the turn of the twentieth century were popular wooden carts,
which rolled into the sea allowing both sexes to change into swimwear in what was then considered, a proper manner.
Introducing a theatrical, performative element into the act of dressing, the model’s behaviour unwittingly introduces a degree of exhibitionism, which calls to mind the
contradictory visual message given by an attack of blushing.
As clumsiness exaggerates her uncertain behaviour, she involuntarily draws more attention to herself than would otherwise be given. In this new piece, my interest lies in the physical and psychological boundaries between public and private, and the contradictions which arise in between.
before and after a swim.
This lighthearted study in modesty is influenced by archive material relating to sea bathing machines, which, at the turn of the twentieth century were popular wooden carts,
which rolled into the sea allowing both sexes to change into swimwear in what was then considered, a proper manner.
Introducing a theatrical, performative element into the act of dressing, the model’s behaviour unwittingly introduces a degree of exhibitionism, which calls to mind the
contradictory visual message given by an attack of blushing.
As clumsiness exaggerates her uncertain behaviour, she involuntarily draws more attention to herself than would otherwise be given. In this new piece, my interest lies in the physical and psychological boundaries between public and private, and the contradictions which arise in between.
The Costume (2013) stills
Still shots taken from the stop frame animation.
The Costume II (2013)
A mini spin off photographic project which continues to focus on the awkwardness of undressing.
All images copyright © 2022 Georgina McNamara.
All rights reserved.
All rights reserved.