[FASHION] To Be Free is Very Sweet: in Conversation with Chloe Johnson & Yanna Marie Orcel

Join Chloe Johnson (MA Fashion) and Yanna Marie Orcel (MRes Fine Art & Humanities / BA Art Therapy) as they sit down to discuss “To Be Free Is Very Sweet” – a body of work inspired by Chloe’s own personal loss but that also explores the disorder, loss and displacement that is constant feature in the lives of the Caribbean Diaspora, past, present, and future.

The work is a way of filling gaps in time, but also reframing the narrative and the attitude towards a dark period of history, where her ancestors were stripped of their voices, humanity, and identity – but never their resilience and pride. Drawing parallels between past and present, focusing on using materiality and paradox, the work aims to confront and educate the audience on the realities of life for marginalised communities.

As well as discussion around the key themes, the talk will also explore how Chloe’s art is a catalyst for social justice, and the way that addressing inherited trauma can pave the way for personal and collective healing - creating safe spaces for dialogue, introspection, and catharsis, and providing solace and empowerment to those who resonate with the narratives presented. Trigger Warning: There will be discuss around the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, Violence and Torture – however they will not go into explicit detail.

Image credit : Chloe Johnson