Theo Tyson thesis exhibition: 'performing fashion: senseless acts of gender'

SCAD presents "performing fashion: senseless acts of gender," a thesis exhibition curated by Theo Tyson (M.A. luxury and fashion management), showcasing original black-and-white fashion photography by Frances Neyra Claudio (B.F.A. photography) and videography by Porscha Dallas (M.F.A. film and television).

Tyson’s first curatorial project, “performing fashion: senseless acts of gender” examines the anthropological and sociocultural implications of gender, identity and sexuality in clothing and dress. The exhibition takes into consideration certain historically engendered garments — white oxford shirts and blue jeans — that have been established as decidedly feminine or masculine based on collective behavior of heteronormative and patriarchal standards. The exhibition explores the potential for a unisex understanding of gender in fashion and is Tyson’s visual interrogation of androgyny as a means of equality.

The curator has more than 15 years of experience in fashion, events and entertainment that has given her a unique perspective on perception and reception of others based on outward appearances. She has found that public identities are often shrouded in cultural conundrums, societal expectations and the desire for acceptance through clothing and dress. Through projects like "preforming fashion: senseless acts of gender," she hopes to create dynamic dialogues and new narratives, investigating the impact of fashion on diversity and identity in our society.

About the artists

Frances Neyra Claudio (B.F.A. photography) is a fine art and commercial photographer. Her commercial work is inspired by light and darkness, with a strong focus on color palette and energy. The artist’s fine art work explores the contradiction of social beliefs, taboos and identity, and deals with themes such as the human body, movement, memory, innocence and remembering the forgotten. Claudio-Vargas’ work aims for a tone of sensitivity, while commenting on human social and personal behavior.

Porscha Dallas (M.F.A. film and television) is a film and television producer and director who uses unconventional approaches to convey new ideals and ideas in visual media, whether for fashion films, music videos or independent cinema. In her documentary filmmaking, her objectives are to offer authenticity, while instilling a euphoric impression on the viewer that stimulates awareness of the human condition, fostering social and cultural awareness.

Opening reception: Thursday March 8, 6–8 p.m.
Gallery hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Curator Theo Tyson will be present for question-and-answer session and guided tours on the following dates:
Friday, March 16, 1–4 p.m.
Friday, March 23, 1–4 p.m.
Friday March 30, 1–4 p.m.

The exhibition, reception and tours are free and open to the public.