Garments that speak | Afra Eisma's 'Warrior Garments' at MAP, Bengaluru
Dutch artist Afra Eisma'S textile-based installations—displayed at MAP, Bengaluru—emerged out of the 'MeToo' movement
Can clothes reflect feelings, especially about conversations like sexual violence that are often pushed under the carpet? Warrior Garments, at Bengaluru’s Museum of Art & Photography (MAP), had me musing about the politics of costumes and sexuality in this Met Gala-addled season.
Can clothes reflect feelings, especially about conversations like sexual violence that are often pushed under the carpet? Warrior Garments, at Bengaluru’s Museum of Art & Photography (MAP), had me musing about the politics of costumes and sexuality in this Met Gala-addled season.
The curated collection of eight installations is made with silk and organza, and was first shown at the Kochi Biennale. The artist, Afra Eisma, was part of the ‘MeToo’ movement in the Netherlands in 2020 and has created these textile installations to visually express her feelings.
Each of these garments has text on them, some easily read, others less visible. “I wrote some of this in a moment of rage and some of it felt too emotional or personal to display. That’s why I also use this kind of semi-transparent material because it allows me to layer it,” explains Eisma.
As I walk away, I read the questions on the wall: “How do you wear your anger?” and “How do you make yourself feel safe in bearing the richness of a boundless emotional life?” And these exhibits made me stop and think. After all, anger is not just about holding on to rage, but also a way to transform oneself positively.
On view at MAP, Bengaluru, till June 21
