After graduation, I was met with comments that stuck with me, ranging from “Is costume design even art?” to “You’re famous now that you’re an artist!” At first, these remarks frustrated me, but they soon inspired me. Many seemed to underestimate the effort behind my work, the long hours, sleepless nights, and emotional investment. From the outside, it might seem like magic, but the process is slow and complex.

In this performance, I want to show you that process, each step, mistake, and emotional layer that goes into creating something. One recurring question, “Is costume design fine art?” inspired me to make a corset, transforming it into a sculptural piece that could also be displayed as 2D art.

My costume, a black shirt and half-pleated leather skirt, reflects the duality of post-graduation life: the push to conform to corporate norms versus the desire to fully embrace my creativity. With this performance, I aim to present the intricate balance young artists face between survival and artistic freedom.

Performed in Arttelex