Outraging Public Decency

I wanted to share a picture of Rick Gibson’s human earrings, but then I realized that his exhibition at the Young Unknowns Gallery lasted only a couple of hours and then he and the gallery owner were charged with and convicted of, outraging public decency. Even-though there are rumors that these earrings are currently held in the collection of Scotland Yard’s Black Museum in London, the museum is closed to the public… So, having read the Obscene Publications Act 1959, I have figured that I might be ‘distributing’ this ‘obscene’ image… even-though; personally, I don’t find it particularly offensive.

These earrings were made of freeze-dried human foetuses. The foetuses were given to Rick Gibson by a British anatomy professor and have been preserved for 20 years at the time he made them.

Now, Rick Gibson is an artist, the purpose of art, is often to provoke. And so is often the purpose of fashion. The more different and daring the piece is, the better. There has been a lot of controversy about the use of fur, outsourcing production to countries with little labour/human rights laws, and of course the issue of anorexic-looking models...

But regardless of these issues, we still buy and wear fur, people still shop at Primark (who makes those clothes?!), and anorexic-looking, does not mean the ladies are actually suffering from a recognized medical illness… The art has often been rather provocative and it hasn’t just disappeared. (There’s currently a Robert Mapplethorpe’s exhibition at Alison Jacques gallery- go shock your senses!). Actually, speaking of that exhibition- there are 6 empty frames on a wall, blacked out. Over 'the black-abyss' there are descriptions of what 'should' be inside the frame... In one of those frames they're talking about a man, a bull-whip, his anus etc etc... Fascinating? That's why it's been 'censored'... NOT. The problem is- the picture is hanging right on the opposite wall, full-size and what not... Weird, right? Censorship fail? Maybe? Maybe not... I was too embarrassed to speak to my teacher about it. Go check it out and tell me what you think.

Oh yes, and what do you think- where shall we draw the line between art and beauty, decency and standing firm by our moral values? Morality and ethics depend on our culture, so what is decent somewhere in America might not be viewed as such in Iran, for example. What is censorship like in your country? What is it affected by?

I am SUCH a student... I know, I know.

Fruit cocktail

Looking back at what I have decided to pair my new purple jeans with, I feel like it's a terrible fashion faux pas. But then again, who cares? I admit I am a dilettante.

As I was dressing up I was only sure of one thing- I wanted colour, and I wanted to wear my purple blueberry trousers. Naturally, I thought pink is the best colour to go with purple blueberry, so I opted for a sweater of that colour. Very eurotrash, isn't it?!

Then I remembered it's January outside, so I wrapped myself up in this black/raspberry coloured silk pashmina that my boyfriend gave me last Christmas. And for that extra bit of oddness, I dug a big hat out of my wardrobe and topped my outfit with it! Ha! I believe that made the outfit look rather bohemian. As a consequence, I had a big clash of 'styles'...

What do you think?? Is this too strange, or moderately bohemian?

YSL and Jean Mahie

my YSL Arty Ovale ring and my 'erotic' ring by Jean Mahie

At first I was reluctant and unwilling to buy this chunky piece of metal with a chunky piece of glass attached to it. But as I gradually learnt about Jean Mahie jewellery, I gave in and bought the hyped up YSL Arty Ovale ring
The story of who Jean Mahie (Jacline Mazard) exactly is, is rather long and irrelevant to what I want to communicate. So I'm not going to say anything apart from the fact she was a law student at some point (as your humble narrator is!) and that she makes the jewellery with her father in law. If you want you can read more about her HERE and HERE.
What's of substance is that all the jewellery is hand made, no pieces are identical, they are inspired by ancient ruins (Jean spent her childhood in Tunisia playing among them) and look like exquisite artisan pieces.
Jean states: “Each item is strictly one-of-a-kind, and sometimes I have to reinstruct new jewelry department managers there are no more like the last one. I cannot copy myself.” source

The jewellery that she and her father in law make is very alluring and unique, and unsurprisingly rather expensive. What is perhaps surprising is that it reminded me of those mass produced chunky metal rings with big pieces of glass attached that all the hype was about. And this is when I gave in and ordered one.
It's true that there are many knock-offs everywhere, but this is something different. These now 'iconic' rings really evoke the feeling of YSL couture jewellery collection, and I don't think YSL would stick their name onto something they wouldn't want to be remembered for.
Therefore, I concluded that for the price YSL ring is retailed for, it is definitely worth it and I think it is a real statement piece in its own kind that will be remembered.

1.1.11

The sky was usually grey and the streets were unusually empty. However, a Chinese meal on a New Years day wasn't such an original idea as the place was packed.
As for me, I was unusually jolly and wore my usual number (you have seen a very similar one HERE)  that in my view, persistently reminds me of a 'french exchange student', because it's a rather plain ensemble with a touch of oh-la-la in a form of little details- my bright scarf, knitted gloves and a little handbag with strong lines... I really enjoy carrying a tiny handbag with me while I can. It's a lovely feeling to swing your little bag in one hand and hold the hat on your head with the other when the gust of wind blows or when you suddenly need to speed up. Makes me feel very feminine indeed.