The use of worn clothes adds a conceptual dimension to the work of Guerra de la Paz. Unlike traditional media, worn clothes carry reflections of the past and traces of human existence that live on through creative reuse. The process of transforming them into sculpture is akin to painting with relics and artifacts. In the words of the artists, they “find inspiration in the familiarity of ready-made – whose archaeological qualities and encapsulated energies evoke the significance of the human footprint and reveal psychosocial and environmental messages – while exploring themes with cultural and historical relevance.”  

The artists originally sourced garments for their work from Haitian-American businesses involved in the “pepe” trade. The pepe trade is an active market for second-hand clothes in Haiti, as described in this video. Zoom into the image to see installation views of “Follow the Leader.”

In “Atomic” and “Ascension,” the artists present two potential paths for the fashion industry and its consumers. The mushroom cloud in “Atomic” can be viewed as a representation of “fast fashion,” the production, consumption and disposal of which is unsustainable and highly toxic to the environment. The climbing spire in “Ascension” may represent a brighter future built upon a sustainable textile industry.

How can we build a sustainable textile industry? Our decisions must contemplate the full life cycle of the garments and other textiles we use. The process begins and ends with consumers, who possess the power to moderate consumption, select environmentally-responsible brands, extend the life of their clothes, and commit to donate and recycle discarded textiles rather than sending them to the landfill. For producers of textiles, there are numerous opportunities for improvements in production and innovation.

As part of their ongoing series entitled “Ghost Variations,” Guerra de la Paz have been ritualistically collecting and deconstructing white garments since 2002. In the words of the artists: “With this installment, A Stitch of Time, we focus on a garment selection of 108, a number that is sacred in the Dharmic Religions and evokes the cycle of life. The articles of clothing that once defined the identity of an individual are transformed into ghostly silhouettes emphasized by obscurity while deconstruction reveals each garment’s unique skeletal remains defined by the seams. Their existential presence hangs in a silent trail of altered perception. Identities concealed, one by one, they are arranged in a single file and merged into one another to project an analogy of a segmented timeline as an ode to our ancestral past.” Zoom into the image for additional detail views.

“Ladrillos” and “Columns” are works that were produced by Guerra de la Paz during a residency at the Augeo Art Space in Rimini, Italy. The artists were inspired by the rich history of Rimini, and created a body of work that reflects the archaeological significance of the area. How would archaeologists of the future interpret the artifacts and remains of modern-day civilization? This archaeology article explores this intriguing question.

Do you really need one more cotton T-shirt? Check out this video from National Geographic and World Wildlife Fund on the environmental impact of a simple cotton T-shirt.

The work of Guerra de la Paz addresses consumer excess and the burdens that the textile industry is placing on future generations. If you are inspired by their work, you can take action in your own life. Select one or more pledges listed below and spread the word. You can also learn more by visiting our Pledge Center.  Let’s #EndOvershoot and save our #OneEarth.