Artist: Rafaella McDonald
Learn how to design and reconstruct a pre-existing garment into a 2D work or a 2D work into a garment. You will use collage principles and experimental mark making techniques with paint and stencils to create clothing and 2D artworks, and discover how clothing, as a form and material, can articulate fluid and multiple representations of self and experience.
In this workshop we will seek fabrics that hold the quality of being a threshold, membrane or armour. We will work with recycled material and garments, painting onto them and collaging them as a place to play with colour, figure and gesture. We will also think about clothing in relation to rhythms and cadence of movement, i.e. the ability to strut, move and transform in and out of the rhythms of day to day routines.
All materials will be supplied, however if you have an old piece of clothing or fabrics that you would like to work with, please bring them along.
Image credit: Vivian Nilan
Age: 14 to 25 years
Please ensure you are within this age range.
Accessibility (including allergies)
Signal has two main event spaces. One is on the ground floor with step-free access, and one is on the first floor with both a staircase and a lift. There will be a quiet space available on the day. There may be background music, which can be turned down or off on request, and the lights are dimmable.
Some events might also use the outdoor area for activities or breaks. The concrete ground is mostly even, with a raised platform/bench on one side and a walkway on the other. There’s no shade for most of the day. We can bring out additional chairs. Signal is located between a train line and the Yarra river, and there’s significant background noise when trains are going past.
If you have any questions about accessibility or want to share anything about your access needs (including allergies) beforehand, please email signal@melbourne.vic.gov.au or call 03 9658 7808.
What to expect
- Getting to SIGNAL: Train - Flinders Street Station. Tram – 58 to stop #1 (Flinders St/Queens Bridge St) or 19, 57, 59 to stop #1 (Flinders Street Railway Station/Elizabeth St) or any Swanston Street tram to stop #13 (Federation Square).
- Please bring: Some food or money for lunch. There is a water tap, fridge, kettle & microwave that you are welcome to use. If you bring food into the building, we request that it is nut-free.
- Arriving: The front door will open at 10:45am. A staff member with a lanyard will be in the foyer to greet you and tick you off the doorlist, as well as show you where the kitchen and bathrooms are. They will then direct you to the workshop space.
- In the workshop space: The artist and another staff member will be in the space to greet you. You will be able to take a seat while other participants arrive. The workshop will start when most people have arrived, or at the latest 11:10am. The staff member will then do a general welcome and explain some information specific to the workshop, before introducing the artist.
Read our COVID-19 update.