Event Review: Soft Armor - Matter, Memory and Release
Since ancient times, people have worn metal and silk as physical protection. As our resident artist, Maria Positano notes, the need for defense reveals inner vulnerability.
On the afternoon of May 24, she hosted the workshop, exploring bodily perception, social gender traits and psychological defense through collaborative creation. Participants reconnected with their fragility via tactile materials and challenged stereotypes about the body and strength. The activity was an extension of her in-residence creations.
Maria first presented her research on Eastern and Western armor, highlighting the duality in her art: hard and soft, visible and hidden, masculine and feminine. She believes gender and the body are fluid personal feelings, not fixed labels. Participants then identified their strong and vulnerable body parts and turned inner emotions into plaster cast sculptures.
They showed rich creativity in casting body parts and even daily items like mobile phones. Two attendees held contrasting views on the same body parts, showing people’s diverse perceptions of themselves. Drawing inspiration from nature and life symbols, everyone decorated the casts into armor and thought about how to balance strength and tenderness.
Later, participants wore their handcrafted armor for a silent walk, before dissolving one piece in water as a symbolic release. Witnessing the armor melt, they felt a mix of regret, relief and solemnity.
The workshop helped everyone gain new insights into their bodies. This journey of facing fragility continues to linger in their minds long after the event ended.