Objects around us are full of designer’s intentions and identities. But what is the outcome when one gender dominates?
With my vulva and my knife is a group of objects that, taken together, challenge patriarchal visions of industrial design, a sector mainly dominated by body strength and penknives over sparks and textures. By centring her own experience as a female cisgender designer, Iris Janin alerts publics to this issue.
A work grounded on research, where molds acts as uterus, a hydraulic press becomes hydraulic Jacqueline, and tools blend into diner plates.
Starting by dismantling the argument that makes the hot industrial designer, historically stronger, louder, and man, Iris subverts industrial processes and its codes into a series of Birth Givers.
Meet Hydraulic Jacqueline
Hydraulic Jacqueline is the first Birth Giver and subverts a 12T hydraulic press. Reaching for a more diverse approach to design, a queer approach opens up to new ways of making, without discriminating more industrial technics. This machine still performs its function in a less masculine performative way.
first time trying this hydraulic press
capturing the transition between hydraulic press to hydraulic Jacqueline
adding the final touches
Hydraulic Jacqueline is ready!
Postpartum
MATRIX - MATERE - UTERUS
In many domains, including industries and workspaces, those who have ownership or control over the necessary resources may have the ability to dictate the terms of engagement,
set standards, allocate resources, and make decisions that impact others.
This power dynamic can create imbalances and hierarchies, with those who lack access to tools or resources often finding themselves in more vulnerable positions. Especially when it comes to the under equipment of female workers and the technological gap between sexes.
The Tool Plates mold is made out of CNC milled plywood.
The Tool Plates
By giving access to hand tools through the affordable household dinner plate,
the designer symbolically tackles education by criticising the unequal access to knowledge given to female and other gender minorities.
the designer symbolically tackles education by criticising the unequal access to knowledge given to female and other gender minorities.
The First Cene
The first Cene event fosters a hopeful coalition among marginalized communities, amplifying their struggles for visibility and representation.
Set design for 'The First Cene' sequence