Sarah Keating
Statement
My work delves into the complex realities of fast fashion, from the pollution caused by textile manufacturing to the labour practices in garment factories. Through the medium of cyanotype, expose the environmental degradation and human exploitation inherent in the mass production and consumption of clothing. The repetition of the printmaking process mirrors the mundane, repetitive labour produced by individuals making the clothes we wear today, using their bare hands. My work acts as a visual narrative, inviting viewers to question their role in this system. I hope to foster a deeper understanding of the consequences of our choices and inspire a shift towards more sustainable and ethical consumption. My goal is to use my work as a catalyst for change, prompting a reevaluation of our relationship with fast fashion and its impact on the world. I want to highlight the urgent need for a greater conscious and responsible approach to clothing, its production, and the waste it generates, polluting our planet. Every year, 92 million tonnes of textile waste are produced worldwide. Ireland faces a significant fast fashion problem, with individuals consuming double the EU average in textiles, leading to massive waste and environmental strain.