The news is out, for the GCFS theme this year, we’re taking a wander through the surreal, passing social constructs to get to the true ESSENCE of ourselves!
Inspired by Rene Margritte’s painting, ‘The Lovers’, which depicts a couple kissing through their fabric hoods that prevent any true intimacy, Essence guides us towards the deeper core of our relationships both with each other and ourselves. The theme is the brainchild of our wonderful creative director, Craig. Hot off the back of our theme reveal party, I asked Craig to tell us a bit more about the theme and his ideas behind it…
Give us a brief description of the theme.
This year ʻEssenceʼ is our creative concept. It is an exploration of societal investment in individuals, identity, and behaviour - and how such investment shapes our perception. Essence seeks to undermine social constructs and what it means to be the ‘norm’. Essence combines darkness and uncertainty with unconventional extravagance in helping viewers discover their indispensable qualities which exist beyond the constrictions of socially enforced ideologies.
What was your inspiration behind it? Was there any particular moment, thing or person that gave you the initial idea?
I was largely inspired by Rene Magritte’s ‘The Lovers’ painting which encapsulates the uncertainty and distrust that can pervade even our closest relationships. This pushed me towards developing a theme that evokes a sense of unknown identity and challenges viewers to reconsider their perceptions of self and others. Our theme reveal video presents this as the starting point for ESSENCE, having our two models Baptiste and Mamaati bring this painting to life. I have also drawn a lot of inspiration from surrealism in general, looking to incorporate a warped and irrational perspective into the theme which reflects the sometimes stark contrast between our outward expression and our intrinsic qualities we may conceal.
Did you take any inspiration from past themes (and do you have a favourite from past GCFS shows)?
Not particularly no, I wanted to take GCFS on a darker journey which differed from the lighter tones of the past few themes. I am definitely inspired though by the really high standard of our previous shoots and the way past creative directors have managed to execute their visions. If I had to pick a favourite it would be CLIMAX from 2021/22. I think it has a similarly abstract and uncertain foundation to ESSENCE and I just loved all the shoots, the garments, the variety - everything!!
How does your theme relate to the work that CHAS does?
I think ESSENCE relates to the work CHAS does by looking at challenging societal perceptions, constructs, stereotypes, and the unfounded basis of ‘norms’ - looking to celebrate fundamental commonalities we all have with each other and finding tranquility in our unique and distinguishable experiences. CHAS so positively supports and uplifts children and families during really daunting and difficult times - I think ESSENCE could be linked to this in looking to undermine how our social constructs define and constrain individuals.