Panoply is a shield. A soft, homely bubble- something to wear if or when life shifts from safety into chaos. A response to the mental health crisis arising from housing insecurity due to natural disaster or financial instability and the rising cost of living. While a lot of emergency shelters meet practical needs of weather proofness and privacy, this work responds to the emotional and psychological needs of a space. The fabrics, colours and form retain meaning and identity when the wearer has nothing else. It also provides insulation for sleeping on the ground and muffles external sounds when the hood is worn over the head. There are small viewing holes in the hood, that the wearer can look out of, but the outside can’t look into, to aid the feeling of security and safety when sleeping or waiting in unfamiliar places.
Made for the Material Culture exhibition, curated by Marsha Golemac for NGV design week 2022.
The creation of this work was made possible with funding from Country Arts SA regional arts fund.
Photo credit images 4-6 Annika Kafcaloudis
