Exploring the objectification of the female shape from a male designer’s perspective.
Charlie Davidson Studio presents The Object of Desire: a collection of extreme bodies disguised as chaise longues, a type of furniture associated with femininity and seduction. The work has been ongoing for over ten years and implements a wide range of materials, manufacturing processes and modeling techniques. Davidson creates a narrative around society's role in shaping, distorting and objectifying the female body. Each chaise has a unique structural shape that eliminates the need for a body or doll inside.
The collection starts off with Sweet Jane, a leather-covered fiberglass structure with an hourglass silhouette that was so sought after in the late Victorian era. After that comes Sweet Nothing, a 3D exoskeleton inspired by the lines a fashion designer uses to show and accentuate female shapes, followed by Caged Beauty, a laser cut and welded shape inspired by corset making. In the last year, Davidson has created two new objects using the latest 3D printing technology and most recently an inflatable body made of rubber-coated textile.
The exhibition aspires to bring forth reflection and discussion among the younger audience about the body, objectification and the dissonance between the marketed image of sexuality and what it really is.
