Calligraphica - the film
Highly Commended
RR Pascoe is an internationally acclaimed, multi award winning artist and sustainable designer. She is best known for her wearable artworks utilising found objects and waste materials. The use of reclaimed and sustainable materials in traditionally luxury, high-end products aims to draw attention to the ecological and humanitarian impacts of the fashion industry, to question ideas of conventional beauty, age and obsolescence, and to explore the commodification of self and identity.
Calligraphica is made from approximately 450 linear meters of 9mm wide 100% paper millinery braid (Japanese Toyo paper braid), a woven Japanese rice paper yarn traditionally used in hat making. The garment is created using a sculptural pleating technique taught to the artist in 2013 by renowned Dutch sculptural milliner, Eugenie Van Oirschot. Meticulously hand sculpted to reflect broad, gestural strokes, the piece evokes calligraphic brush work - nodding to another traditionally paper-based art form. Using only 100% cotton thread, with the removal of minor structural elements the piece is entirely biodegradable, echoing the temporary nature of paper, paper-based works of history and, ultimately, life and civilisation itself.
RR Pascoe is a three-time finalist in the World of Wearable Art (NZ) with works which feature her unique sculptural pleating technique.