Claustrophobia Coat
Each student was asked to investigate a physical impediment to what may be perceived as ‘normal’ function, and present a material study in response. Exploring enclosed spaces and therapeutic remedy, I chose to investigate a material expression of spatial phobia. I made a coat to simulate the feelings of both claustrophobia and agoraphobia. Uncomfortable and anxious, the wearer finds the coat unexpectedly tight, difficult to move in and to remove. The spikes simulate the sensation of walls and people being closer than they actually are: space has different dimensions for the sufferer.
