Caelan McCollum is an artist who asks questions about science, philosophy, and the metaphysical. Her work utilizes fiber, sculpture, performance, and academic research. Through engagement with speculative design, materiality, and accentuation, she aims to critically examine and appreciate the human experience.
What does this say about me?
Collection Notes
What assumptions do we make about the other people we see on the street? How do those perceptions, preconceived notions, and opinions go on to craft our own identity and sense of self?
These perceptions reflect on us and build upon our own identity. What does this say about me? examines the relationship between the individual and the public. Looking deeper into the dynamics between viewer, wearer, visual cues, and culture. Effectively, imagining a world in which avant garde expression of one’s identity is not only welcome, but encouraged. Where the freedom to exist not in spite of, but in radical acceptance of judgment is plainly possible.
Under these circumstances could levels of self-confidence and self-awareness reach new heights? Could new complexities and the fluidity of self be fully realized and better understood? All of this and more is possible when we critically examine our interconnectedness and afford ourselves true freedom of expression. It is within this space that our understanding of identity can wholly develop. What Does This Say About Me? goes beyond questioning social norms and asks each of us how we can create a space in the world that allows us to truly prosper.