FASHION AS A RESISTANCE | VOL. 1

Skye Battles & Their Influences

“I’ve always been captivated by the retro and mod fashion of the 1950s, 60s, and even elements from the 70s like bellbottoms and Paisley. It’s not just about the clothing; it extends to retro electronics, furniture, and luggage, reminiscing about a time when travel was a grand event. As I delved into the roots of my fascination, I discovered it was a legacy passed down by my grandmother.

Growing up as a mother of six in the 1960s, my grandmother supported the political movements of her children for freedom and expression, despite societal constraints. Unable to outwardly express her views on most days, she embraced vibrant colors and Paisley patterns in her clothing. This political expression through fashion, especially in box dresses, became one of my focuses during my time at CCA.

In my 2-D class, I created three box dresses inspired by patterns she would wear, with the backdrop mirroring dress pattern, much like the environment she navigated.

Now, every time I step out of the house, my outfit aims to reflect my state of mind and commentary on society. Embracing the spirit of my grandmother, I use fashion as a form of resistance. In a world that’s less about cultural appropriation and more about understanding our ancestry, my eclectic background and family dynamics further enrich this journey.

My ancestry, a mix of Mexican, European, Italian, Asian, and Native American, adds layers to my identity. Growing up in a diverse family adds complexity. Taking a page from my grandmother’s book, I navigate the world, expressing resistance through my fashion choices. The third slide showcases instances where I’ve embodied this philosophy in the wild.”

The Artistic Evolution: Graffiti as a Language of Expression and Typography’s Influence

In the vibrant city of Chicago and California, artist Lourans Mikhail reflects on his journey with graffiti, considering it as the language of the people. Growing up in a school system facing financial challenges, Mikhail witnessed the reduction of funds for arts and physical education. Amidst this backdrop, graffiti emerged as a form of expression, featuring tagging, bubble letters, theories, and burners, captivating Mikhail with its esoteric nature.

To him, graffiti resembled a new language, often misunderstood and dismissed as something associated with gang activity. Despite prevalent misconceptions, Mikhail believes in the essential nature of graffiti, conveying messages that might be overlooked. However, he acknowledges the darker aspects within the realm of hip hop culture, recognizing the presence of male toxicity, particularly in elements like graffiti crews, misogyny, and rap.

Mikhail sheds light on the misogyny embedded in certain aspects of hip hop culture, exemplified by graffiti crew names that sometimes perpetuate explicit imagery. He draws attention to the use of offensive gestures, such as grabbing genitals, as a form of disrespect in breaking, and acknowledges the prevalent misogyny within the world of rap.

Despite these observations, graffiti played a transformative role in Mikhail’s life, fostering a deep love for letters. This passion continued to flourish when he pursued graphic design in school, eventually leading him to fall in love with typography.

Graffiti Art & Why We Need More

Graffiti art, born from a history of class-segregated museums and collectors, serves as a powerful medium that brings unfiltered expressions of art and politics to the masses.

Emerging from the cracks of societal divisions, graffiti art becomes a crucial voice in times of political unrest.

It encourages individuals to persist in tagging, creating, and using their voices while navigating institutional spaces, understanding their rights, and recognizing their inherent value.

In this dance between rebellion and integration, graffiti art thrives as a vibrant form of expression and societal commentary.

A sidewalk in the San Fernando Valley