"Protect Vishuddha" (Throat Chakra)
Metal, wood, and chainmail protective wearable armor.
All chainmail and jump rings are made by hand.
In my project, I drew inspiration from my Chuvash heritage and personal journey of self-discovery. The throat chakra, known as vishuddha, played a central role, symbolizing communication, self-expression, and personal truth, a concept deeply valued in Chuvash culture, where storytelling is cherished.
Crafting my wearable protective garment, I wanted to explore the symbolism of the throat chakra within the context of my lineage. I drew from the wisdom passed down through generations in my Chuvash roots, where storytelling is cherished, to embody the journey of reclaiming one's voice amidst life's challenges.
My project is a wearable piece that explores the balance between protection and vulnerability, drawing on the symbolism of the throat chakra as a pathway to communication and inner truth. Inspired by traditional Chuvash, Tibetan, and Mapuche folk dress, it reflects on the desire to shield oneself from external pressures while still yearning to express one's true self.
Crafted from a combination of wood, metal, and chainmail, the garment represents the contrast between the natural essence of self and the strength needed to overcome obstacles to communication. Incorporating details like rib and lung imagery invites viewers to confront the vulnerability inherent in self-expression.
Each individual jump ring crafted for the chainmail represents a link in the protective armor of the garment, connecting to historical craftsmanship techniques. By blending ancient practices with contemporary art, the piece pays homage to tradition while offering a fresh perspective that resonates with viewers.
The tactile quality of the chainmail adds a sensory dimension to the garment, inviting viewers to engage with it physically. The juxtaposition of materials creates a striking texture, with the chainmail serving as both a shield and a window, allowing glimpses of vulnerability beneath the surface.
Overall, my project aims to inspire reflection on the complexities of protection and liberation, inviting viewers to explore their own journey of self-expression and reclaiming their voice in the world.
As an artist of Chuvash descent, my wearable protective garment serves as both a tribute to my cultural heritage and a personal exploration of the complex interplay between self-preservation and self-expression. Inspired by Morrocan, Chuvash, and Tibetan traditional folk dress, I explore the symbolism of protection, concealment, and the yearning to reclaim one's voice.
The concept of hiding, retreating, and remaining unseen or unheard resonates deeply within me, hindering my ability to speak my truth and assert myself. By creating this rigid protective armor, I aim to create a sanctuary, a safe space where I can reclaim my voice without fear of being wounded. Using materials such as wood, metal, and chainmail symbolizes contrasting elements of nature and human craftsmanship. The metal structure speaks to the strength of protection and the desire to shield oneself from external forces, while the organic warmth of wood represents the natural essence of self.
Incorporating imagery of ribs and lungs, I play with the concept of revealing the innermost self to the outside world. By externalizing the internal organs, you’re forced to confront the vulnerability inherent in the act of self-expression. The lungs symbolize breath and freedom, urging you to break free from your own manifested fears, but embedded within this constraint lies the potential for liberation and breaking free from the confines of self-imposed limitations.
The chainmail choker starts at the top of the neck and drapes down to the chest, symbolizing the suffocating grip of external restraints, it’s the experience of entrapment within your own confines. The shield serves as a physical manifestation of the barriers that interfere with one's ability to speak their truth and assert their identity. The shield placed by the chest and heart area is used to guard the throat chakra, the center of communication and self-expression. The shield is meant to falsify the sensation of hiding, hermiting, and retreating into oneself, unable to articulate one's truth or stand up for yourself. The garment becomes a sanctuary, a shielded space where one can find refuge and safety to reclaim one's voice without fear of harm or judgment.
The physical shield the metal armor embodies is ultimately a charade, an illusion of strength and security. Behind its protective facade lies the truth of retreat and hermitage, where peace is sought at the expense of authentic self-expression. The wearer becomes the hermit, retreating into familiarity and comfort, but at what cost?
My project seeks to connect with viewers on a deep emotional level, inspiring reflection on the complexities of protection and liberation. Exploring the throat chakra's role in preserving and releasing one's voice adds to the discussion of cultural heritage and personal identity. Through my project, I aim to encourage others to find the courage to speak their truth and embrace the power of their voice in the world.