Fashion and professional conduct

Margit presented today.

A lecturer from the RMIT fashion cohort was in attendance.

Alison's conduct was unprofessional. Mainly opening the session by claiming, "ok, we are going to do this one formally". To emphasise the importance of one student above others is an abuse of authority and departure from the high standards one should expect of RMIT.

Inviting a lecturer from the fashion department was intriguing as the MoP were ill-prepared for delivering the project and holding a professional discussion concerning fashion.

Rebecca stated that the primary objective should be photography, not fashion.

The review panel agreed in a complete turnaround from how the review began, emphasising commercial possibilities.

I asked Margit if she had researched the ethical and environmental issues related to fast fashion. She had not.

I feel Bronek tried to bully and embarrass me in his response to my question. I am not intimidated by him.

Although I appreciate how excited people are about Margit's work, it would be worth considering private consultations with potential collaborators, thus offering a safe environment for all parties to openly discuss their objectives while maintaining the excellent standard of equality and shared learning that RMIT is renowned.

Below is an excerpt of an email sent to Shane.

Friday 25 June 2021

Hi Shane,

Good to see you in class today, and sorry I didn't have time to catch up afterwards (I had an appointment I was running late for!).

Margit's presentation was all class as to be expected! A stunning outcome of a fascinating concept.

I wanted to follow up with you on my question about fast fashion as I believe it is imperative, even if the primary objective is photography.

When I hear sustainability, H&M, and consumer in the one structure, particularly in the position of "solution", I am immediately drawn to thinking about the horrendous ethical and environmental impact of the fast fashion industry.

The response to Bronek's comment about "consumer accessibility" would depend on a person's position on sustainability in the textiles industry and fast fashion.

 Also, it is worth considering there is a massive market for bespoke products – including fashion.

I'm afraid I have to disagree with placing Margit and her talent in the mass consumer marketplace. Forgive me if I misunderstood Bronek's direction on this.

The likes of H&M have their garments made in regions of great poverty, exploiting the local communities while providing little security. Much of the work takes place in unsafe conditions, and yes, lives are lost. Then there is the environmental impact.

Consumerism and fast fashion are multifaceted issues that promote waste in producing throw away goods and dubious industrial practices.

Discussing sustainability and textiles with fast fashion (pros or cons), ethical and environmental issues are immediately brought to the forefront.

My comment also considers RMIT's position on environmental issues and social justice.

Interestingly, so many people, including the affluent, scream injustice, but when it comes to that hot leopard print top for under $30, dang girl!

Anyhoo.

I hope this finds you well.

Thank you, 

Zo

Sent as a postscript

Friday 25 June 2021

I feel that understanding these relationships could be of great benefit in continued project development and, through photography, establish an irrefutable position of contributing to a solution.

Unsent email

Friday 25 June 2021

Hello Shane, Alison

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Although I understand everyone is busy with professional and personal commitments, discussing the issues outlined below is necessary.

As you may recall, there was an issue last year with several review panel not being prepared for formal presentations, particularly in familiarising themselves with student's work.

Being in Semester 3, to be told by a review panel member that they have not seen any of my work leading into my folio presentation (50% semester grade) is remiss of their responsibility. Stating that I have not provided adequate documentation is unfathomable.

Additionally disappointing is that the above-mentioned comments are not reflective of the unbiased and exemplary standards of RMIT educators.

Please advise on how this issue will be resolved moving forward.

Respectfully,

Zo Gay

Keywords

Reviews, Folio presentations, Semester 3, Studio, Email

Semester 3 reviews

I have written to Shane expressing my concern with the lack of reviews. The communication is objective and professionally polite.

Shane has replied, saying that he will discuss with Alison. This is of no concern to me. Sadly, the only response I have had to the last 5 emails sent to Alison has been once in berating me for getting the list of models to her without enough notice although the previous three emails (list of models) did not receive a reply.

The emails I have sent have been structured in a business-like manner with legitimate requests.

I do find it interesting that the comment Alison left on my internship assignment (which had nothing to do with the assignment at all) has now been removed (after I made a formal complaint). Sadly, the bullying and passive-aggressive behaviour continue. An additional interesting note is that I have found out I am not the only one.

From: Zo Gay <s9753760@student.rmit.edu.au>
Sent: Friday, June 11, 2021 8:09:15 PM
To: Shane Hulbert <shane.hulbert@rmit.edu.au>
Subject: Reviews – Semester 3

Hello Shane,

I hope this finds you well.

You have always been supportive and acknowledge the importance of students participating in the overarching discourse of art and photography, the MoP cohort reviews (2020) are one of many examples.

I am concerned that Semester 3 students have not had a review this year, especially as the folio presentation is worth 50% of our grade.

The reviews are invaluable for many reasons, including having the opportunity to participate in a broader discussion of art. In addition, they were an essential part of the learning process for me last year.

I understand everyone is very busy with professional and personal commitments and do not expect a response. However, I do feel that discussing the issues is necessary.