Up next in our LCFBA17 Class of 2017 series, BA (Hons) Hair and Makeup for Fashion student Bona Kim talks to us about her time at LCF, her final project and her plans for the future.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and the moment you knew you wanted to study fashion?
I grew up in South Korea where the pressure of studying and getting into a great university is intense. A lot of people have private tuition, but my parents allowed me to do and learn whatever I wanted. This meant I had more spare time than my friends, which led me to think about my future. I have always enjoyed putting makeup on my face and buying cosmetics from different brands, so I decided when I was still at high school that I wanted to become a makeup artist and to be in fashion.
Talk us through your final project…..
My project explores how straight lines and symmetry can be distorted to give a subverted definition of perfection.
When people think about beauty, they seem to have in mind someone who is tall, thin, has a flawless, symmetrical face and blonde hair. Their make-up should feature perfect eyeliner and contouring, glowing skin and sharp, well-defined eyebrows. It tends to be the media that dictates women’s appearance and what is beautiful and what isn’t. I wanted to make the point that women are bound and trapped by conventional ideas of beauty and the threads symbolise imprisonment.
The reason I choose thread is because of my obsession with straight lines and symmetry. I wanted to be subversive so I chose to use thread strung across a woman’s face repeatedly, giving the impression of tying the face up. Each thread was stretched straight, but as I pulled it around the face in three dimensions it became curved. In this way, the thread was both straight and not straight.
What techniques or theories did you use to create your final piece of work?
My technique is influenced by Franz Kline’s statement in 1995: “To think of ways of disorganising can be a form of organisation”. However, I started with “organisation” by applying makeup as well as the thread to the model’s face, before transforming her face to be “disorganised” by removing the makeup at the same time as the thread, to reveal her natural complexion.
Have you undertaken any work experience or done a placement whilst at LCF? Where and how did you secure this work experience or placement?
During my time at LCF, I worked as an assistant for a freelance hair stylist. She was a connection of my tutor and I was lucky to get picked.
Have you met or been inspired by any speakers from the industry whilst at LCF?
There were many speakers from the industry and one of the most memorable speakers was Yvonne Gold. I didn’t have a chance to talk to her personally but her works inspired me a lot. Instagram became the important part of social activity and her Instagram clearly shows her unique style. Her works are not just about fashion and makeup but also art. I think that art and fashion can never be apart.
Describe your work in five words…
Meaningful, minimal, art, calm and anything
What influences your style and work?
Various exhibitions. There are so many great galleries and museums in London. I really like going to see different artists, especially modern art which helps me to break stereotypes and expand my imagination.
What are your plans for the future?
I haven’t decided yet but I will definitely work in the fashion or art industry. My course has helped me to find a subject with meaning. To find new meanings and explore them in my work will always reflect in my future career.
Have you heard that LCF is moving to east London? What do you think about the move?
I am quite sad that this is happening after I graduate. East London is quite different from west and central London. It is more artistic and cheerful, and lots of artists are living in east London so there are many studios as well. I like being in east London: there are so many small design stores and great cafes. Also, it will be a great chance to meet people who are on other courses as there is barely a chance to meet them if they are on a different campus. On the other hand, it will be really crowded.
What do you think Brexit means for the fashion industry and studying in London?
The one thing that I really like about London is that I can meet different people from different countries. Everyone has different backgrounds and these create diversity and creativity in the fashion industry. I have learned a lot from different people’s tastes and their thinking. Many Europeans are in London compared to other countries and I think that Brexit will reduce this chance.
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