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Sculpturewear

Shanti Bell

Body sculpture blown up in the wind

I am a Multi-Disciplinary Artist with a specialism in Menswear, Furniture and Sculpture. After graduating from Central Saint Martins where I studied Fashion: Print, I wanted to further my practice. I knew that my creative interests stretched beyond the conventional realms of fashion which is why I sought to study my masters in Fashion at the Royal College of Art. Over the past years, my practice has expanded and includes exploration and experimentation in the creative fields of sculpture, film, movement, and performance. I constantly seek to push the boundaries of these fields and allow the concept to define the creative output. Authentic expression is at the heart of the work I produce with themes being rooted in exploring; the emotions of young men which result from the burdens of masculinity, father and son relationships, and simplifying the complex - all from that of a female perspective.


Much gratitude goes to The British Fashion Council for giving me the MA Full Scholarship and the RCA for giving me the Roger Walls Binns Scholarship, without them both I wouldn’t have been able to even consider taking a Masters. From having this support it has allowed me to remain ambitious and dream big.  

Degree Details

School of DesignFashion (MA)Sculpturewear

Show Location: Battersea campus: Studio Building, Third floor

Shanti Bell-statement

“Every man do his thing a little way different.” Errol Dunkley 

A few years ago I was on the beach and saw a father pull out a kite and teach his son how to fly it. This act really struck a chord with me - a simple act at that, but I think that is what it was, simple. A simple teaching, with care and patience present. The father and son relationship goes through so many stages as the child grows and the dynamics between the two people shift and change as each learns to redefine themselves in the relationship. As a son feeling free to be accepted and letting go of who you should be and simply being your authentic self begins with your father displaying this towards not only his son, but towards himself.  

Now, I hear you, is a body of work that comes from somewhere deep within a personal space which as I ventured I realised it was very much a shared one. Parent and child, father and son relationships, are ever present and flow through society. Within that dynamic we are all both observers and participants, it is both simple, yet complex. Its push and pull comes naturally as hearts are involved, and much like a drum rhythm, shifts of repetition, tempo, climax, tension and moments of calm narrate this relationship timeline. We all do things ‘a little way different’, the freedom and acceptance to be your own way is what allows us to truly flourish in our uniqueness. Much like kites in the wind we don’t know everything but through trust and embrace we can soar.

 I offer a moment of listening with your ears, eyes and body, of communicated emotions of a relationship that is reflected in life. This space will become energised with voices that needed to be heard, felt and played. Self expression is what we have to communicate that we are alive so let them be heard. I hope that in some way you are sculpted by this piece and all I ask you to simply come with a listening heart and open ears. Let’s fly. 


Now, I hear you, Sculpture & Performance
Now, I hear you, Sculpture & Performance
Now, I hear you, Sculpture & Performance
Now, I hear you, Sculpture & Performance
Now, I hear you, Sculpture & Performance
Now, I hear you, Sculpture & Performance
Now, I hear you, Sculpture & Performance
Now, I hear you, Sculpture & Performance
Now, I hear you, Sculpture & Performance
Now, I hear you, Sculpture & Performance
Now, I hear you, Sculpture & Performance
Now, I hear you, Sculpture & Performance
Now, I hear you, Sculpture & Performance

Medium:

Sculpture & Performance

British Fashion Council

Website: https://www.britishfashioncouncil.co.uk
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About

Royal College of Art

Registered Office: Royal College of Art,
Kensington Gore, South Kensington,
London SW7 2EU