DENG YAZHU’S “MOSS JACKET”

Deng Yazhu, once enamored by the ephemeral glamour of the fashion industry, embarked on a transformative journey. Garments, once glamorous, would fade into obscurity with each passing season. Yet, an insistent inner voice compelled her to delve deeper into the essence of truly vivacious designs. This contemplation led to a transformative revelation - the fusion of fashion and art as a means of transcending a garment's original aesthetic purpose.

The marriage of garment and art emerged as a way to infuse life and purpose into clothing that had long been forgotten. In her experimentation, moss parasitising on clothes became a pivotal endeavour. Consulting plant-selling experts and conducting meticulous trials, she curated a selection of plants that would thrive on this unconventional canvas.

Employing a method akin to cultivating specimens in petri dishes, Yazhu ingeniously wrapped a sponge in gauze to retain moisture, providing a hospitable environment for the plants to root. Daily horticultural care ensured their flourishing. Cat grass, displaying remarkable resilience, took root within two weeks, while moss, with its tenacity, demanded more time to establish itself. Through careful consideration, she tailored white cotton fabric to sew the plants onto the sponge, securing them to the clothing in a deliberate fashion.

Surprisingly, dried moss retained its vitality, akin to dried flowers, offering unexpected bursts of colour and stability. This revelation led to an abundance of dried moss, meticulously stitched directly onto the clothing. “Moss Jacket" now transcends mere attire; it is an experiment, an installation, a performance art, inviting viewers to witness the symbiotic dance between human ingenuity and nature's enduring spirit. This living testament prompts contemplation on the boundless possibilities when art and life converge. The work stands as a poignant allegory for resilience and adaptability.