EXODUS – CURATOR – JDADA 2019

“Dressing is an agricultural act, if we want to wear natural fibres rather than plastic ones.”

—- JANE MILBURN —-

Designer Anila Wilson’s collection “Exodus 34.10-16” is a line of avant-garde garments and has been inspired by Judaism and their beliefs in the after-life.

The beliefs in the Judgement Day, World to Come and the Garden of Eden feature prominently in the Jewish tradition. The notion of heaven and hell is associated with the after-life or the world to come. The standard Jewish belief is that, after one dies, one’s immortal soul joins God in the world to come while one’s body decomposes. At the end of days, God will recompose one’s body, place within it one’s immortal soul, and that person will stand before God in judgement.

The designer has used the belief of decompose and recompose in her collection through the incorporation of hydroponic textile. This textile blend of biopolymers and natural fibers is designed to manage water efficiently for optimal growth in a variety of hydroponic systems. The silhouette of the garments is derived from the painting –The Last Judgement by Jean Cousin the Younger. The colours of the collection are earthy like grey, brown and green. The designer has incorporated sustainability in her design by using hydroponic textile which supports plant life while promoting water conservation. The use of bio-based textiles that help in the efficient use of water will help care for the environment and the future of our planet.