(Ad)dress

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The way we dress often extends beyond personal choice, reflecting the influence of situations, environments, and social expectations. Clothing becomes a complex language, shaped by the places we go and the people around us, rather than purely the image we wish to convey.

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For this project, I drew inspiration from nesting dolls—symbols rich with meaning. They evoke tradition, family, femininity, and the concept of layering, both literal and metaphorical. These themes guided my exploration of identity, as I sought to visualize the layers of myself that remain hidden beneath societal and familial expectations.

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Using fabrics, paint, and photography, I depicted the faces I conceal from the outside world. These layers represent emotions, ideals, and aspects of my identity that are suppressed or deemed inappropriate to show within the framework of my social and familial environment. The nesting dolls became a metaphor for the interplay between outward appearance and inner complexity, revealing the multifaceted nature of self-expression.

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(Ad)dress invites viewers to reflect on their own hidden layers and the forces that shape their outward personas. It is a meditation on the tension between individuality and conformity, and the quiet strength in carrying unseen parts of oneself beneath the surface. Through this work, I hope to spark conversations about identity, societal expectations, and the ways we navigate our inner and outer worlds.