SHOWCASE#2
SHOWCASE#2 - OBSERVERS BECOME PARTICIPANTS V2
SHOWCASE#2 was just 7 days after the original gathering. We realized we a small scale template that we could apply to a greater movement. The idea that a gathering didn’t need to be a party or just an audience simply observing an event, but rather the audience being the event itself, gave us motivation to really shoot for this idea that we had fostered.
Hometeam gallery in pioneer square allowed us to occupy the space for an evening. This gave us the first chance to see if we not only had vision, but were able to execute on said vision.
After work, Montaine and rai used a uhaul to transport Montaine’s living room to pioneer square, bringing lighting, cowhides, sofas, art, and various other aesthetic enhancers to change the empty room that hometeam was, into an environment one could really relax in. The space was that of a modern clothing shop, where one could shop and then sit down and chat, and of course there was wine.
the guest list increased as rai put the callout to friends to participate in the second installment of our SHOWCASES. This is the first instance where the term “Observers become participants” began, as we told the attendees that they were to simply enjoy themselves in the clothing while Montaine documented the scene. Over the course of the night, many scripted and candid scenes played out, this allowed the guests to flow easily between model mode and viewers, almost merging the two to a point where they were indistinguishable from one another. It became fun.
Many of the participants were models, clothing designers, & artists of all walks of life. Early on Cardinal markings worked closely with artists of color simply because it was who we were surrounded by, giving us a real ear to the pulse of seattle.
This was the first time the term SHOWCASE was used. After the event, feeling incredibly accomplished, rai and montaine packed up the uhaul and went to unpack at montaine’s apartment, between them hung an aura of motivation and proudness.
SHOWCASE#2 was first tremendous step amongst many more to come.
Featured Image is of Rai & Joey