LOUISE WELLS

This work investigates the culture of fast fashion, and the influences of social media and FOMO (“Fear of Missing Out”) which encourages us to buy way more than we need, although fails to educate us about the effects on the environment and the low paid workers in this industry.

The work asks us to consider where these items we throw out end up, and to, as Vivienne Westwood said, “Buy less, choose well, make it last.”

The fast fashion industry is responsible for 33% of all microfibres released into the ocean and 10% of total carbon emissions. Poisonous dyes and chemicals pollute waterways, and huge amounts of water are used in the production of cloth. It is harmful both in production and consumption. All of this is detrimental to the health of people living and working in these communities.

Every year, Australians buy on average 56 new items and dispose of 23 kg of clothing to landfill. Only 15% of our clothing in Australia is resold, the rest goes to landfill or overseas. This work consists of garments not considered good enough for an op shop, now diverted from landfill. Its weight equates to less than half the clothing thrown out by the average Australian per year. The 19,000 + squares in this piece, in terms of litres of water, would make only 7 new t-shirts.

Louise Wells is an artist living in Inglewood, WA.

Looking at the lost beauty in the ordinary is a major theme she explores, which has led to a focus on working with recycled materials, mostly textiles. Louise’s work is inspired by domestic life, family stories, observations on current events, and the environmental impacts of textile production.

Louise has exhibited in numerous group and jury selected exhibitions. She is a finalist in Bunbury Biennale 2023, International Fibre Art Australia 2023, Australia Wide 8 2022, twentyFIVE+ 2022, York Botanic Art Prize 2021, Collie Art Prize (CAP) and Australian Textile Award 2020. In 2019 her work was selected for Cultura Diffusa, Como Italy and Fiber Arts IX, California USA. She is a five times finalist in Wearable Art Mandurah, winning the Avant Garde category in 2017.

Recent solo exhibitions include Of Our Time – Ordinary Lives 2018, Suburban Secrets 2021.