Reversible
Artist Statement
"Reversible" began as part of a larger art installation about climate change, environmental disaster, and personal responsibility which features child size clothing made from Mylar balloon trash. But when I started work on it the events in the Middle East began to unfold and my intention for "Reversible" shifted to a theme of war versus love. The outside of this puffy jacket is made from two large fighter jet balloons complete with bombs. The inside is made from about seven different Valentines and birthday balloons.
All of the balloons I use were either thrown away or had escaped. They are found in the landscape, on beaches, in ponds, in trees, and blowing down streets.
To make the clothes, I make a "fabric" by cutting the balloons into strips and sewing them onto an emergency blanket base. Emergency blankets are also made from Mylar and it's interesting how fragile they are considering they serve as protection against the elements. The stuffing of the puffy jacket are Mylar scraps. The patterns, zippers and ribbing were cannibalized from used clothing.
Mollie Thonneson is a multi media artist who over the last 45 years has been flitting back and forth between painting and fabric work. She is interested in making art that explores ideas and highlights current issues. Consumerism and the environment are reoccurring themes in her work.
