Zao Project

There are two focus groups "Sproadicals" and "Wokes". The "Sproadical" is a being, protesting by it's unusual colourful and vibrant presence by which it tries to draw attention to itself. It's highest purpose to protest the "Wokes" emotional and visual numbness and to convince them to became a part of the "Sproadicals" and to share their point of view and follow the way they behave.

During the design process I have studied their personality, lifestyle, position within society and their individual aims and ones that they want to achieve as a group. I paired that with the atmosphere that I imagined them existing in, which can be described as a utopian polar opposites like world resting on its tradition and foundation.

I have designed a number of different masks that the "Sproadicals" wear. It reflects on the fact that they as individuals are allowed to express uniqueness by a somewhat varying personal style but do need to conduct to the same dress code. By their face being hidden allows them to stay anonymous.

To make the Sproadical's costumes I used a number of up-cycled materials found in everyday scenarios such as left over paper plates and trays. The role of geometrical shapes is consciously chosen visual opposition in contrast to the style of the "Wokes" whom are born in a human body and in general dress to fit in and are commonly resistant to changes.

By the Sproadical's choreography, they not only differ from Wokes in their appearance from the masses, but according to the project narratives, are actively trying to convince them take part in their ideology that they represent and stand for. Music that they wear and create by their movements serves as a tool in the convincing procedure of the Wokes. The sound making objects are tailored within their costumes as a consistent element of their dress code.