In a society where most people struggle to understand who they are and feel the burden of always having the right answer, it becomes essential to recognize that we do have control over some aspects of our life. At first it might seem unsettling, maybe even destabilizing, but thankfully there are a few people who are able to help us navigate this feeling, without overriding our own perceptions. Two of these people? Hermann Rorschach and Harikrishnan Keezhathil Surendran Pillai, or simply, HARRI.
The Inkblot Test
In 1921, the Swiss psychiatrist created one of the most revolutionary psychological tools of all times: an inkblot. Or rather a series of inkblots. Ten symmetrical projections, to be precise, each placed separately on a white background, also known as a "table".
At first glance, these seemingly meaningless inkblots were designed to be shown to a subject, who would then proceed to describe what they were seeing, revealing insights into their personality and emotions.
The process, as well as the inkblots themselves, is straightforward. The inkblots are the same for each patient. So, what is the ever-changing factor that makes this test so unique? Simple: the response itself. The perception of the individual.
Nothing is ever quite what it seems. But then again, who decides what we see?
HARRI's Inkblots
Exactly a century later, in 2021 the Indian English designer HARRI created his very own inkblots. Or well... his very own clothing line.
But to be fair, I was not completely wrong in the first place. HARRI has brought to life 96 pieces (and counting!) of clothing, each one entirely up to the wearer's interpretation. HARRI isn't just offering us a collection. He is gifting us with one of the finest avant-garde wardrobes of the century.
From jackets to trousers, his handcrafted latex designs (and non-latex ones, too) are defined by dramatic silhouettes and sculptural forms.
And yet, despite their striking appearance, his clothes are an ode to free interpretation. Their unusual and complex, yet surprisingly simple, design invites us to see them however we choose.
In a nutshell: It is easy to connect with them.
Which is exactly what the London-based designer hinted at in his interview with British Vogue in February 2020. "People connect to the inflatable trousers because they are unfamiliar," HARRI said, introducing us to one of his most iconic pieces.
You connect with them because you decide what they are. You observe. You decide what you see.
HARRI, on the other hand, "limits" himself to simply create.
You Decide What You See
HARRI is not going to tell you what to think about his clothes. He would not tell you how to feel when you stand in front of them, or how to define them.
HARRI is offering us a Rorschach test.
He has given us 96 out-of-the-ordinary Rorschach inkblots, except this time, they come in black, white, grey and lime. Just like in the original test, the interpretation of each piece is entirely up to the individual. HARRI does not have or believe in limits. And he certainly is not about to impose any on his clients.
So... what might this be?
That is completely up to you.
All images by Rossella Damiani @rosselladmn
