Warrior Women - Overlooked Histories of Violent Females was the name of the graduation work I exhibited for my Textile Design MA at Chelsea College of Art and Design in 2019.
The inspiration for this work comes from groups of women warriors who lived in a range of countries and times throughout history.
Using my research into this subject as a guide I have designed these pieces to represent their lives and achievements, carefully taking symbols and imagery connected with them to create applique wall hangings reminiscent of historical banners carried into battle.
In times past armies used banners and flags to identify themselves on the battlefield and these wall hangings are my interpretation of what the warrior women's battle flags could have looked like.
I then investigated this idea through a contemporary lens and with reference to sustainability. Customising a pre-owned jacket with removable patches gives it a sense of identity and puts the wearer's opinions out into the world to be discussed. The patches, which are also based on imagery from my research, bring visibility to these women's histories.
I made these banners using paper cut stencils for screen printing the background patterns, applique and beading. They are 5ft wide and 7ft high.
