IDENTITY & DESIGN: FAMILY HERITAGE, QUEER SYMBOLISM, AND BRAZILIAN FOLKLORE AT ND22
New Designers is a platform for inspiration, connection, and dialogue. This year's cohort of student exhibitors bring a wealth of talent and artistic passion to their work. From revisiting family heritage to recognising the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, many graduates at this year’s New Designers have embarked on an emotional journey of discovery and reflection. Take a first look at three inspiring designers you can meet at ND22.
AMBER WHELAN
Textile Design, Birmingham City University
Whelan’s study of the figurative, textural and emotional elements associated with her family photographs – in particular of her great grandparents – has resulted in her woven textile collection.
Using jacquard and dobby looms as well as dip dying and space dying techniques, her work – titled Vignette – seeks to capture the emotions and personality traits of those photographed and provide a contemporary nostalgia.
DYLAN DENT
Furniture and Product Design, London Metropolitan University
Dent’s Drink Up! collection explores the continuing presence of homophobia while recognising the silence and enduring stigma associated with the AIDS epidemic.
Queer symbolism from AIDS activism drives the aesthetics of the collection, using the recognisable pink colour and triangle device from the infamous Silence=Death poster from 1987, pictured here.
SABINA DE OLIVEIRA LIMA
Hand Embroidery, Royal School of Needlework
de Oliveira Lima creates couture works that are both functional and one-off pieces.
Her Viva São João! is a sculptural yet wearable embroidery piece inspired by the bonfires of the St. John Festivity – the most important folkloric festival celebrated throughout Brazil. The piece pays homage to the intangible heritage of the designer’s native country.