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| Image by Zara Pickens |
The term, introversion was popularized by Carl Jung (the Swiss psychiatrist who is acknowledged for founding analytical psychology).
Jung suggested everyone has both an extoverted side and an introverted side, with one being more dominant than the other. Jung defined introversion as an "attitude-type characterised by orientation in life through subjective psychic contents"(a focus on one's inner psychic activity), and extroversion as "an attitude type characterised by concentration of interest on the external object"(a focus on the outside world).
People who are introverted tend to be focused more on internal thoughts, feelings and moods, rather than seeking out external stimulation. Introverts are quite happy to be on their own, whereas extroverts are energised and thrive off being around other people. Introverts enjoy solitary activities and many an artist, writer, sculptor, inventor has introverted qualities.
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Introversion Sculpture by Majd Patou Fathallah |
Introversion Painting by Beth Taylor
Rei Kawakubo demonstrates 'introversion' as CdG's nonconformist clothes are often a visible expression of her inner life.
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| 'Monsters' F/W 2014 |
But, none more publicly revealed than in the S/S 2019 collection. Kawakubo was thinking deeply on her previous 10-season practice of challenging fashion boundaries, "I felt this approach was no longer new, and I looked for what is new........But I could not find it. What I thought of in the end was a profoundly internal approach....about what's deep inside."
This collection was about R.K. The pressure of the CdG creation, her aging, maybe even musing on womanhood and motherhood.
Padded protrusions appearing to spill out of the midsections of oversize jumpsuits, ala pregnancy?
Sarah Mower said of these two creations from the collection...
"I have never seen a more searingly accurate image of internalized female psychological conditioning...Heavy chains strapped beneath their second-skin dresses, shackles spilling from their hems and sleeves, clanking as they walked...can't do this, shouldn't do that, shut up, put up, and carry on." Was RK feeling shackled to the constant drive to come up with something new for the fashion world? Expression of inner thoughts.
Introversion, thinking internally, appearing quieter than those who are constantly delivering loud verbal expressions.
In 2012, Susan Cain's book 'Quiet' was published.
She argues that modern western culture misjudges the capabilities of introverted people, leading to a waste of talent, energy and happiness. Cain describes how society is biased against introverts and advocates that introversion is not a "second class" trait. Her point is that together introverts and extroverts enrich society. (For introvert examples, think Issac Newton, Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi, JK Rowling, to name but a few)
This link will give you a review of Cain's book. The reviewer makes some interesting and personal comments, as to how aspects of introversion apply to herself, plus some controversial comments Susan Cain expressed.
Like to see and hear Susan Cain deliver her message? Click on this ted talk video.
Cain uses the word 'Ambiversion'. Ambiversion falls more or less in the middle of extroversion and introversion. An ambivert is moderately comfortable with groups and social interaction, but also relishes time alone. Interesting.
As previously mentioned, many an artist has introverted qualities.
One particular artist I admire, who demonstrates 'turning inwards' in her work, is Louise Bourgeois. In the final years of her life (she died 2010, born 1911) an exhibition titled "Turning Inwards" displayed 38 etchings she made between 2006 and 2010.
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| This etching is titled 'My Inner Life' |
I am drawn to Louise Bourgeois' work due to the fabric, needle and thread medium she often used.
One of her most famous motifs is a spider, probably most widely known in this sculptural form.
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| Maman |
Maman (Mother) depicts a spider, which has a sac containing marble eggs. This work reflects the strength of Bourgeois' mother, Josephine. It is also a wonderful metaphor of spinning, weaving, nurture and protection.
There is no doubt that this is a powerful work of art, but I really love this rendition, fabric spider
This site refers to how Louise Bourgeois might inspire others, e.g. CdG. I think the images of Bourgeois in her last years are quite beautiful....The Artist. (She is recorded as saying she actually did not like her photo being taken, because she didn't really like how she looked. An inner feeling held by many females!)
In 2017, when Rei Kawakubo was celebrated at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Barneys store presented wonderful window displays, celebrating Kawakubo and Louise Bourgeois. This connection will take you to a site explaining it so well. They are fabulous exhibits.
Comme des Garcons's A/W 2006 'Persona' collection may have offered an introvert the chance to do their thing without feeling exposed. Check out this headwear....
Apparently mistaking introversion for shyness is a common error. Introversion is a preference, while
shyness stems from distress...distress of ...what to say next, what will they think of me, will they talk
about me when I'm gone, will I clam up! Man, the day one comes to terms with that particular inner stuff is truly empowering.
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| LifeHack Images |
Rei Kawakubo is often described as shy and retiring. I suspect she may prefer introversion. I think these photos of RK give hints of that preference (They were taken well over 10 years ago for Vogue Nippon)
Or, the cover image on Deyan Sudjic's book (published 1990)......she is not fully revealed...she keeps something aside/inside.
I did write a haiku in reflection of her 'shyness'. (From a previous SLTSLTB blog)
A fibreglass resin structure that allows "shy but politically minded protesters to share their views, while hiding their faces."
Adam Falatko's wearable sculpture. He was given the brief - the work had to represent some sort of transition - Falatko's sculpture is the representation of introvert to extrovert. Can you see it?
Doug Beube's 'Introverted/Extroverted' 2001 altered book. Which book do you relate to?
Ruth Grace designed a "Leave Me Alone" sweater. I guess it could work.
To know where the designer was coming from, check this link for more detail
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWiHXdPPu3UAs you can see by my selfie style (see side bar) I am not really "out there" when it comes to a photo, and for goodness sake here I am, in 1961, and yes, not wanting to look at the camera! Amazing...maybe I was checking out my shoes. I do have a thing for shoes!
Here's a final connection re inner thoughts & CdG. Again, a quote from Sarah Mower concerning CdG's S/S 2019 collection, "one of them was cracked open in a zigzag, like a cartoon egg."
Let's finish with this as a reflection on inner strength....
SLTSLTBsigning off...Just be who you be. That inner thought can set you free.