Join me as I explore materials to create a hat that does not fulfill its function!
PROMPT:
"Think about what function means to you or your culture. Consider ways to explore that notion through art. Using any material, create an object that is dysfunctional, but wearable. The definition of wearable is open here. Be creative! When finished take photos and video of yourself wearing the object. The object has to stay worn for at least 10 seconds."
When do we call an object functional or dysfunctional?
What are the characteristics of dysfunctional objects?
What does dysfunction have to do with art and design?
When introduced to this project, we were asked to ponder the questions above. For me, an object is functional when it serves its intended purpose. It is dysfunctional when it no longer accomplishes this. Characteristics of dysfunctional objects include lack of durability, faultiness from damage, inefficiency, poor design, and/or awkwardness when using it.
In art and design,"dysfunction" as a theme can mean a deliberate deviation from norms or traditional conventions and is meant to provoke thought or go against something. It can challenge the viewers' perspectives and established beliefs.
Garment to Turn Dysfunctional: Peruvian Chullo
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The chullo is a traditional Peruvian hat with earflaps typically made from vicuña, alpaca, llama, or sheep's wool. It holds deep cultural significance as an ancestral symbol of Andean culture. Originating from the ancient Peruvians, it was crafted for protection against the harsh cold of the Andean highlands and has been used by indigenous people for thousands of years. Traditional chullos are predominantly found in regions like Cusco, Puno, Ayacucho, and Huancavelica. In these areas, chullos serve a practical function and act as identifiers of Andean cultural identity. The colors, patterns, and designs of chullos vary depending on their region of origin, reflecting local traditions and customs. Over time, chullos have gained global popularity and are now featured in prestigious international fashion shows.
Assemblage
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MATERIALS
Yarn of various colors
Assorted bead sizes
Pipe cleaners
Scissors
Needle (optional for threading beads more easily)
Process
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I started by creating the pompoms of the chullo. My plan was to make one big, colorful pompom out of yarn for the top part of the chullo and four solid-colored ones to dangle from the ear flaps. I cut various yarn strings and tied them together for the colorful pompom. Then, I used two pieces of toilet paper rolls to roll the yarn around. Once I rolled the yarn 80+ times, I tied a string around it and cut the looped parts. I repeated these steps but with the solid yarn. Next, I used a piece of yarn with a needle and threaded the beads through to represent the strings hanging from the ear flaps. Once those were finished, I used pipe cleaners to measure my head size and connnected those pieces. Next, I put the pipe cleaners through beaded patterns and created a triangle-like structure to mimic the shape of the chullo's top. I repeated this with the ear flaps as well. Finally, I attached the pompoms by tying them to the end of the beaded strings and the pipe cleaners.
Final Looks
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How is it dysfunctional? The purpose of the chullo is to keep your ears and head warm from the Andes cold. This chullo has a similar structural resemblance with colorful aspects, patterns, and pompoms, but it has no fabric. Instead, it shows holes where the ear flaps and the head covering should be, therefore defeating its purpose of keeping you warm!
Artists for Inspo
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Cyrus Kabiru is a Kenyan artist known for his whimsical sculptures and eyewear designs. His C-Stunners series, crafted from found materials, reflects his fascination with vision and perspective, while also commenting on consumerism and waste. From MoMA: "The unique challenges faced by African artists like Kabiru, including limited access to traditional art materials and resources, have led to a distinctive style of resourcefulness and ingenuity. Kabiru’s sculptures exemplify this resourcefulness and have been exhibited both locally and internationally, earning him a place among Africa’s most influential contemporary artists."
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Laurie Schnurer is an assemblage/sculptor artist who makes miniature creatures and figurines using found objects. Her resourcefulness with the material and her playful take on it create an inviting, comforting feel that brings joy and humor to whoever sees it.
Lesson Idea:
I loved how resourceful both Kabiru and Schnurer are when creating their art, therefore I want to teach that concept of resourcefulness to students. An idea for elementary schoolers (probably 3rd grade) would be to create a toy out of found recycled material. Some things that came to mind were action figures, race cars, race car tracks, doll houses, dresses for dolls or plushies made from plastic, toy instruments from cans, etc. The personal usage is once again meant to keep the students motivated as they create their projects. Because it's geared for such a young age, this can teach kids to think twice before throwing away excess recyclable material. Instead, make art and keep plastic out of the soil and oceans!
Personal Thoughts
This was one of my favorite and most enjoyable "craft" projects I'd done. I loved looking more into the reasoning behind a cultural item of my country. As an owner and fan of chullos, I never thought about their origin dating back to the Incas and protecting people from the Andes cold. I played around with the idea of patterns when threading the beads and aligning the head structure since patterns are an important aspect of textiles and Peruvian culture. The indigenous people also use colorful fabric and pompoms because they reflect the vibrant beauty of their land, so I tried to respect that by adding flamboyant pompoms and beads. However, I had to think outside of the box and make it dysfunctional by taking away the original fabric.
From a teaching standpoint, I think this project would be a hit with kids. It's a good introduction for getting them to challenge traditional conventions and learn that art doesn't need to fit these standards. Students who are more 2D-oriented could start by designing their objects on paper and figuring out what recycled material would help them come to life. Personally, I found it more fun to explore the material as I progressed and only relied on a vague mental image of my desired outcome. I let the material guide my creation.
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