Audio: https://soundcloud.com/rosanamachadorodriguez/sets

 

A close look at something so unique and also so discreet: the label. That small object that bring us information about global economic practices.

 

35 languages printed on a piece of clothing so small such as feminine underwear. To how many people that garment is destined to? 

 

There are so many aspects that we need to understand in the use of clothing if we want to take a stand regarding the environmental issues. Clothes aren’t purchased only for its necessity, the fashion industry makes us constantly buy new clothes in order to be fashionable and trendy. So for example, the waste and the trash that is generated because of this production or the daily washing are really important topics to be aware of.

 

Also there’s another issue to adress: people that live in deplorable conditions work for the lowest income, and even so, that is one of the best jobs they can get in their countries. And that vulnerability is the condition for their labour exploitation. This is a Vicious Circle, because if the conditions of these workers improves then the multinationals will find another place more cheaper to build their industries. 

 

The name of this work is “Made in”. Even though this title makes references to all the 3rd world countries where the multinationals have got suppliers, this installation is especially referring to Bangladesh, where a big tragedy has happened in 2013. The Rana Plaza building, which sheltered numerous sewing workshops collapsed, leaving more than 1200 deaths and around 2500 injuries, in its majority women, which makes more than 80% of the textile workforce.

 

The tragedy was more than preventable: the building had serious cracks, but it was indicated to the workers that they should assist to their workplaces. Six years later, the conditions haven’t improved much and in early 2019 big strikes happened to ask the businessmen to fulfill the government approved salary increase and to reclaim a higher salary.

 

The other side of the coin for production is the fashion consumption. In which way we, as consumers, can contribute to stop these abuses? How can we be more thoughtful regarding our relationship with fashion? 

 

“Made in” aims to seed this concern for other possible worlds to germinate.