Alice Henderson

Brutalist architecture divides opinions, some find it ugly and oppressive, a negative aspect of our urban landscape. I however am of the other opinion. I love the strength and dynamics of brutalism, with its bold shapes and intriguing angles. Additionally, I am interested in the colour theory and how it is thought that colour can be a tool for promoting positivity.

My project focuses on the theme of distorted reflections, abstracting brutalism as we know it and drawing out the expressive forms it possesses. 'Finding the beauty in brutalism' explores this through colour manipulation and digital distortions of local brutalist buildings. Promoting positivity, my project is rich in bold and vibrant colours, taking inspiration from independent fashion brands who aim to spark joy through their clothing. The photography from these prominent buildings sparked the idea of drastically manipulating the colours to add depth to my project creating an eye-catching palette drawn from the monolithic inspiration.

The collection of prints designed for a fashion context discusses the relationship between graphic textures and dramatic colours. Linking back to the idea that brutalism clashes with their surroundings, provoked the use of contrasting colours. This collection of hand printed textiles aims to contribute to the conversation of what colour brings you joy. The final collection is designed for an independent womenswear brand, with the intent for everyday fashion to be fun and quirky.