Green Volume is a collection of pre-loved and recycled garments embroidered with symbols, mantras, words and messages sourced from Fraser’s peers that helped her circle maintain motivation, positivity and hope through the challenges put forward by the pandemic. Particularly effected by the conditions of social isolation, Fraser chose the title of her work to reference the power of perspective; We can look at the current moment as a verdant opportunity for reset and renewal, amplifying the supportive voices who drive us forward.
"Post-COVID I would like to see more people use their space to push the voice of others but hand over the mic rather than speak on their behalf. Although this is a broad connection to the theme 'Permanent Revolution', this action is surprisingly still seen as a radical action—the mass non-performative action of the majority stepping back and muting themselves to make way for the often voiceless. Through what will be temporary isolation for the general public, the majority have still had to assess the impacts of seclusion (mental health, frustration, inconvenience, income loss). However, it has also provided a snapshot of the serious implications isolation can have on others (fear, danger, helplessness), and perhaps provide some perspective on those who live like this in a far more permanent situation."
—Chantal Fraser, 2020
These commissioned garments are available for sale at the IMA Gallery Shop and all funds raised will be donated to Sisters Inside, an independent organisation advocating for the collective human rights of women and girls in prison.
Photography: Rhett Hammerton.
Chantal Fraser, Green Volume, 2020, collection of embroidery on preloved garments.
Chantal Fraser is an interdisciplinary artist interested in the binary and ternary connotations of adornment and silhouette when presented in varying artistic contexts. Her work questions reader relevance by subverting the perpetual cultural and anthropological interpretations of the objects made.