Contrada

This project was about bringing joy and improving wellbeing through community identity, it explores the concept of ‘Second Family’ which can exist between diverse people through shared placemaking, activities and interests. I was inspired by the 17 Contrada of Siena, where each has its own distinctive identity told through pattern and imagery, they are formed regardless of religion, politics and instead centred around a mutual understanding of skills, interests and shared activities.

I focused on Nature, Analogue and Hand Makers as Contradas and my plan is to keep making more! In this project a person can belong to as many Contradas as they want - layering up their patterns. I made the designs by using traditional rice paste resist indigo and natural dye methods, eco screen print inks, silk screen, block printing, digital, patchwork and appliqué and created streetwear pieces,  hats and flags.