Alternative People

This piece is a cumulation of the illustrations done in Minnie Jones’ research sketchbook for her self directed brief. This open brief was an exploration of body modification through history, to contemporary attitudes towards modification and modified people, as well as a wider look on alternative people and subcultures. Originally this was never intended to become a finished illustration, it was meant to be more of a personal commentary and illustration of the artist’s research notes. It became clear there was strength and character in many of the drawings so they were compiled into a project. The natural order of the notes reflects a loose chronological order within the piece. Reading from top to bottom, we see the history of modification, alternative people in the media, societal attitudes and a collection of contemporary alternative people. It is not necessary to read the piece in this way however, it can be considered more of an overview and celebration of subcultures throughout time. The colours were selected as a contrast from the convention image of subcultures, Jones chose bright and jubilant colours to suit the tone of the artist’s attitude towards subcultures. This piece then inspired the creation of a publication following the same philosophy, a compilation of research in order to educate and inform a wider audience on the history of subcultures.