My most recent work explores the theatricality of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). The work comprises of a mockumentary style film and a collection of physical artifacts documenting the life of fictional character Brad ‘The Butcher’ Benson. Through developing a character and building a world around him, I was able to explore the idea of off- and on-stage personas, linking to the ‘fixed’ nature of WWE. I wanted to depict the evolution of aesthetics within the industry through creating various pieces of ephemera relating to different eras.
The film’s eccentric props and blatant use of green screen is a nod towards the blurring of real and fake within wrestling and an underlining of its classification as sports entertainment. Looking at the biographies of wrestlers, this allure of performance and drama is what underpins many and is something I wanted to highlight.
I enjoy working three dimensionally, creating props, products and puppets to explore various topics. My work lends itself to the slightly ridiculous or surreal, playing on reality to produce outcomes that are humorous or strange.
For my Extended Essay, I explored American History through the lens of Dolly Parton, looking at her physicality, discography and personal history. Through placing her within feminist, consumerist and Southern dialogues, I investigated how she has remained a global icon despite embodying various political contradictions.
The film’s eccentric props and blatant use of green screen is a nod towards the blurring of real and fake within wrestling and an underlining of its classification as sports entertainment. Looking at the biographies of wrestlers, this allure of performance and drama is what underpins many and is something I wanted to highlight.
I enjoy working three dimensionally, creating props, products and puppets to explore various topics. My work lends itself to the slightly ridiculous or surreal, playing on reality to produce outcomes that are humorous or strange.
For my Extended Essay, I explored American History through the lens of Dolly Parton, looking at her physicality, discography and personal history. Through placing her within feminist, consumerist and Southern dialogues, I investigated how she has remained a global icon despite embodying various political contradictions.
