Tabitha Moses
Residency at Beaconhouse National University
Vocational Training
2004
For ‘Vocational Training’ I spent four days hand-stitching a nun’s habit (symbol of female chastity, poverty and obedience) in which the robe was made from a man’s dinner suit (symbol of male wealth and decadence).
I donned each piece as it was made, until I wore the complete costume - robe, veil, wimple and all. This was an exercise in diligence which also considered the sartorial indicators of femininity and masculinity. It was a quiet, calm piece which reached an audience who encountered it unexpectedly as they approached the arts centre courtyard.
