mikono - Isabella Isabeau

SPIRIT OF MAKING

A short film reimagining Ugandan handmade objects and textile in a fictional post-climatic change world.

Mikono— meaning hands in Bantu languages native to Uganda— establishes the handmade as an essential part of technological development alongside indigenous craftsmanship and thought processes.

Taking akeibo (basket), enkyanzi (milk cup), olubugo (barkcloth), typical handmade Ugandan household objects and prefiguring their functions into clothing that transforms into architecture capable of shielding the wearer through harsh environments.

The earth as a result of climate change is split into two spaces; the ecosphere and the exosphere. The ecosphere is green lush and all life forms live in a balanced existence while the exosphere is barren and uninhabitable.

The Mikono suit that is handcrafted by the master maker in effect, becomes a character absolutely essential for survival in the exosphere. It’s mystical and material qualities allow transformation from suit of armour to cloak of shelter capable of traversing the harshness of the exosphere.

Abstract

‘Constructed within three acts; creation, spirit and imagination, Mikono places African hand making as a central element in the reformation of the earth in a post-climatic change world. It challenges the typical artificial intelligence and machine led technological depictions of the future. Adopting imaginative design, design futuring, and heritage design as key elements in interrogating the anthropocene, the work envisages a world where balance is restored and all life forms human and non-human coexist at the highest level of cooperation.

Utilising distinctive skills in the design of a capsule collection, the handmade textile of the Baganda of Uganda; bark cloth is reimagined. Including objects of cultural and practical significance, predominantly from western region of Ankole in Uganda. Explorations in pattern, transformative garments for protection and shelter are materialised.

Mikono, the collection; consisting of 3 layers of folded textiles is brought to life through the artifice of film titled; Mikono; Spirit of Making. It explores the idea of transforming garments for shelter. The design of which portrays these garments as a secondary exo-skin critical in traversing the conditions in the fictional spaces created.

Mikono challenges common assumptions about progress, growth and globalization. Using film making as a tool in telling an alternative story to imagine how we might develop a more meaningful and resilient rendition of contemporary material culture. One that is regenerative, adaptable and optimises local resources.