LCF23: Preventing an inevitable devolution of human anatomy with Lanxin Yang
- Written byJ Tilley
- Published date 01 February 2023
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LCF Postgraduate Class of 2023 features work from our three world-leading design, communications and business schools to demonstrate how LCF students look beyond the traditional notions of fashion to imagine a new and exciting future. A bustling two-day exhibition will offer a unique perspective into LCF’s postgraduate work by immersing visitors in the future of fashion through displays of design, film, photography, VR and more from LCF’s boundary-breaking students at the infamous Truman Brewery in east London. In light of the celebrations, we're finding out more about work from this year's graduating cohort.
Lanxin Yang, an MA Fashion Artefact graduate, tell us all about her collection of objects which encourage hand and finger movements, designed to escape the 'inevitable devolution of human anatomy'...
Tell us about the intricate tools you have created – where did your research lead you?
Advanced technology that highly replaces human behaviour has led to a tendency for human physical activity to become smaller, even without the need for movement. In the year 2100, I speculate that artefacts integrate with the body and become an extension of it. Humans maintain the body's functions through movement. Using wheels, body and movement, as key elements to create a new design. It is capable of activating a part of the limb to keep the body active and evolving in health, thus preventing the body from declining as predicted.
You have proposed that these objects could function as extensions of the body serving as tools to keep human anatomy at optimum condition and escape an inevitable devolution. What do you mean by this and how do you envision an ‘inevitable devolution of human anatomy’?
These are jewellery-esque tools for elegant exercise. People will be adorned with these to exercise hands, fingers and thumbs. While they ride, spin and slide, bodily functions will be conditioned through the enduring exercise commanded. I envision that the future will become a world made worse by technological advances. Humanity's dependence on technology is out of control and there is no way to stop it from changing. The tendency for human physical activity to become smaller, even without exercise. This will also lead to a large number of us, with degenerating limbs, degenerating brains, and certain physiological systems or vital organs, disappearing. Human anatomy will inevitable devolution.
Tell us about the production of your artefacts – what materials and methods did you use? Did you create these yourself?
For the materials I chose brass, low alkali high borosilicate glass and alabaster, using processes such as mould making and casting, hot briquetting, CNC Milling, carved wax casting, 3D printing etc. and methods of 3D modelling.
For the glass fingers and brass castings, I made the moulds and then scanned them to get the digital files, and then chose to outsource the final parts. At a later stage the most important combination of materials was made by myself as well as some of the brass structures.
What are you most looking forward to about life after graduation? What are your plans?
I'm most looking forward to being able to do what I want to do. I plan to start my own studio gradually and use my family's connections in glass production to do glass-related design. But, before I get to the preparatory stage, I will work and learn from brands related to accessories or crafts.
What led you to study MA Fashion Artefact at LCF?
LCF's Fashion Artefact course is famous all over the world. It is one of the best postgraduate degrees to choose from. My undergraduate degree is jewellery design where we focused on metal quite a lot. I have always been keen on exploring more accessories and crafts in more detail, so I knew that this course would be perfect for me.
What would be your best words of advice for someone looking to join the MA Fashion Artefact course?
The overall schedule of the 15-month course is a little tight. Organising your time wisely and not procrastinating is something I'm sure you all understand. I would advise you to be more proactive in discussing your ideas with your tutors - you will gain a lot from each discussion. Of course the technicians and fellow students all have their unique ideas, and being open to discussing with them may give your project an unexpected boost. Also, don't be afraid to try out new materials and processes in pursuit of better results.
- Stay up to date with LCF Postgraduate Degree Show 2023
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