In the straight gaze, queer becomes a target for both fear and fascination. How can one express protest and indicate affinity with clothing?

My project has its roots in visual communication in the LGBT+ movement after the Stonewall riots of 1969, regarded as the starting point for the Pride movement. As an LGBT+ person it is important to study one’s history in order to understand that the rights we have today did not just happen, but that they are vulnerable and have to continue to be defended. Thanks to one’s heritage one can see oneself as a part of something bigger.

In my project I have taken historic slogans and placed them in a new context with clothes as messengers and the body as a platform. I chose clothes for their ability to create a feeling of affinity on the part of the wearer, and as an expression of identity and opinions on the part of the beholder. The garments carry messages from pins, from demonstration placards and political art. I have illustrated by hand as a reference to the spirit of DIY that permeates activism. I Am Your Worst Fear I Am Your Best Fantasy is a series of garments that seek to demonstrate a collective struggle and a sense of community.

CONTACT
hi@fredrikafrykstrand.com
www.fredrikafrykstrand.com
akirderf@instagram

THANKS TO
Styling: Christopher Insulander, MUA: Elin Laine, Models: Caroline Nord, Malin Lundquist and Niño D. Felipe, Production Assistant: Johanna Lundberg. Also thanks to: Martin Falck, Tom Hedqvist, Kristina Ketola Bore, Erik Wåhlström and LAIKA Hornhuset.