Madame Deficit is a piece that explores the relationship between fashion, art and accurate representations of history. It was created to encourage the viewer to consider how stereotypes are created through interpretation of satirical or inaccurate sources. The 18th Century is used as a case study to convey clearly how the infamous Marie Antoinette’s naïve and frivolous persona was formed around her, both leading up to her death, and in modern media also. Such demonization of the French aristocracy is present in slanderous libels and contemporary forms alike, contrasting the glamorization of Rococo fashion and art that ignores the social climate of the era. The motif of art through the collection contrasts the permanence of such documentation of the upper class, with how social views have developed and changed, as society remembers select elements of history.
The collection therefore presents to the viewer the paradox of how elements of history are simultaneously romanticized and vilified. Furthermore, the juxtaposition of the collection of works allows the audience to consider the disregard for contextual factors in stereotypical depictions of history.
Madame Deficit is a artistic collection of works including a garment, constructed coffin and film. It spanned the length of 10 months and took over 950 hours to complete. The design of the garment, costumes for supporting actors and film aesthetics, construction of the garment and all other elements were completed by myself along with hair and makeup for the film.