South Africa’s own Ralph Borland is exhibiting on a group show in NYC at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), right now! Suited for Subversion is part of the exhibition SAFE: Design Takes on Risk, October 16, 2005 – January 2, 2006.
Here’s two pics he sent me from over in the states:
Ralph Borland and his Suited for Subversion at the MOMA, and in the streets of NYC. He wore that same suit as my date to the Kebbles in 2003; my wife thought he looked good. Pictures by Kim Silberman
Suited for Subversion draws on Ralph Borland’s work as an activist involved in street demonstrations in New York. Made of vinyl stuffed with polyurethane foam, the suit protects the wearer from police batons at large-scale street protests, and monitors the wearer’s pulse. In the centre of the suit’s chest is a speaker that projects this amplified heartbeat. It can also be used to play music and chant slogans.
As much as my suit is armour, it is also disarming; as much provocation as protection.
