Chess, hypothetical
I decided to take the play in to the most iconic symbol of the Cold war; the Berlin Wall.
The wall represents the volatile situation between the Soviet and the West, and created a literal barrier between the opponents, not only dividing Europe, but separating families and loved ones.
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As Cold war was a large scale chess match played by politicians, and other powerful figures, I thought the most provocative and intriguing approach would be to place the delicate, pristine game of chess and its players within the heart of the conflict. Through this concept we can shake the balance and create an effective contrast by placing the events amidst the scars of war.
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Set and Costume Designer
Illustrator, Draughtsman
SiiriKorhonen
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You know who they are. They are undeniably recognizable. You see the red hair, the snowflakes, the tower… you also see something else. They are different. They are imperfect. They are human.
Disnegated is part of the Equality and Diversity Forum to promote and develop equality and diversity within the conservatoire. All works exhibited have been inspired by or created in response to research undertaken on the chosen protected characteristics.
These are the princesses who are part of our world.
Who are they to you?
- Victoria Chen, Co-creator
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Rapunzel: Mental Illness
The idea of entrapment in Rapunzel’s story takes on the symbolic meaning of mild depression. This mental health problem is one of the most common in Britain, experienced by about a quarter of the population over the course of a year. It is estimated that 450 million people worldwide have a mental health problem, with 20% of children suffering from one at any point in a year.
The blending of live photography and painting shows her lack of control in perceiving what is real and what she perceives. The images are a dramatized and heightened presentation of Rapunzel displaying symptoms of the mental disorder, such as loss of energy and interest in daily activities, irritability and helplessness. Mixed Media: Dry
The portrayal of Rapunzel took on a highly artistic and abstract form as her artistic gifts was a prominent feature in the animated film.
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Mixed Media: Dry Pastel, Photography
Ariel: Physical Disability
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Ariel has a protective father who keeps her from the dangerous world beyond his kingdom. In today’s world, many children with disabilities have overprotective parents who shield them from public or place them in circumstances that reduce opportunities for regular social interaction. As such, Ariel, now portrayed with a missing leg, is seen in a series of drawings exploring her physical limits with and without prosthesis.
In this adaption, Ariel is seen with the situation reversed—without her leg; she cannot run freely in the beach and play in the sea. Although water activities are available and therapeutic to those with physical disabilities, they will still require assistance or guidance. Just like the fairytale, Ariel attempts to be part of a world she can never be.
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Ink, Digital Illustration
Mulan: Pregnancy/ Maternity
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Honour and filial piety are huge parts of Confucian teachings that have been retained in many Asian cultures today, including China. Mulan, portrayed as a modern-day pregnant (and single) mother-to-be contemplates her status in society, and how the decision to keep her child has negatively impacted her status as a daughter, a future wife and a woman in the workforce.
In China and UK, research suggests that single mothers or pregnant women in the workplace face discrimination in varying forms regardless of their work skills and abilities, some missing out on promotions or even having their employment terminated.
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Families in UK with single parents are more likely to live in relative poverty, with paid work not a guaranteed route to financial security, since only 22% of parents work full-time and 30% work part-time.
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Drawing, Google Maps Images
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CREATED FOR THE EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY FORUM OF THE ROYAL CONSERVATOIRE OF SCOTLAND
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Creators: Victoria Chen, Siiri Korhonen, Sarah Carey
Artists: Siiri Korhonen, Sarah Carey, Conor McMahon,
Lindsay Denholm, Amy Shearer, Victoria Chen
Following descriptions: Victoria Chen