Otto Alexander Smith is a Artist who specialises in Knitwear and Denim. Otto has always tried to communicate his poetry inspired by his historic makeup, aka traumatic experiences of physical and mental manipulation. As an artist they have been at a crossroads with how to communicate their words to their design. Of recent times, he has found a love within denim, a fabric, embodied with history.
This is an individual who has been belittled, manipulated, physically and emotionally tortured. Otto sought comfort in relaying his emotions and demons throughout their work. A form of therapy. The communication through this stems from the vulnerability of allowing the viewer to divulge the information, to block truly understanding what he is saying.
Denim has entered Otto's world. This newly found relationship has thrived due to the relatability between each other. Denim ages, shows the scars, the life of the beholder. A connection Otto has tried to develop through his practice by creating/finding a fabric which can embody his history. Our history shapes us all differently as we take to life, as does denim. This fabric allows you to see the historic makeup of the individual. A story telling fabric, narrated by Otto;
"DENIM IS HISTORIC, YOU HAVE A HISTORY, DENIM HAS A FUTURE, YOU HAVE A FUTURE, DENIM IS PRESENT, AS ARE YOU. USE THE STRENGTH, THE STIFFNESS, THE PROTECTION, DON'T BE AFRAID TO MAKE IT SOFT, VELVETISE THE FABRIC, SOFTEM YOUR HARD EXTERIOR, INTIMIDATE WITH VULNERABILITY. WEAKNESS DOES NOT EXIST, EXPRESSION IS POWER, LETTING PEOPLE IN IS COURAGEOUS, ALLOW YOUR PERSONALITY, YOUR IDENTITY, ABSORB INTO THE FIBRES, AND TRULY SHOW YOU, DENIM IS MY SECOND SKIN, DENIM IS MY POWER-SKIN, DENIM IS MY SOFT SKIN, DENIM IS ME, I AM DENIM"
