#KUTOO
For this self initiated project, I aimed to create protest visuals for the #kutoo movement.
The #kutoo movement is an ongoing movement in Japan that aims to end the high heel policies in work places (along with other gendered based dress codes).
For this project, I aimed to create a piece of protest piece that would blend in well into the busy environment of Japan; specifically in the hustling city of Tokyo.
As I was raised in a big city myself, I knew that public transportation plays a major role in Tokyo; so I tried to envisioned what I would zone into when commuting, and I realised that when waiting for trains I do look down on the floor a lot, whether it be to pass time or on my phone.
I decided to have protest messages be produced by the heel themselves; in a sense using what was used against them as a weapon to fight for this movement. I believed that this also allowed it to “blend in” to the busy environment of a city, but I believe the vulgar language would pull their attention and focus towards them.
The reason behind why I decided to use such vulgar language is to really stand out against the quiet and solitary atmosphere that is often there in Japanese public transportation. I wanted to challenge this “passive behaviour”, which has even been called out on by the #kutoo movement founder, Yumi Ishikawa.
