6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS ARTS + CULTURE MARCH 10, 2023 Installation image of Dopamine Dressing by Charlie Edwards. Dopamine dressing is so much more than putting on a pretty outfit It’s no secret that wearing clothes you love drastically changes the outcome of your day. Allow me to present the idea of dopamine dressing: the act of putting on clothes that make you happy. I explored this concept after visiting the University of Michigan Museum of Art in February to see YehRim Lee’s new exhibit with the same name. What is dopamine dressing really? Dopamine dressing consists of putting on brighter-colored clothing with a personal, meaningful backstory to boost your mood. Its goal is to allow believers to have more freedom in their fashion choices and challenge them to be bold. While not scientific by any means, the intention behind dopamine dressing is extremely powerful. With such a title, I expected the UMMA’s Dopamine Dressing exhibition to be filled with brightly colored clothing. I was instead surrounded with 21 neon and pastel clay sculptures. Initially alarmed, I truly experienced the idea of dopamine dressing in action. This begs the question, does the experience of dopamine dressing — or art in general — bring one happiness? At the small but mighty exhibit, I was able to spend a small chunk of my day exploring this question. Lee’s use of color and sculpture entranced me. With most pieces being around two square feet I was able to see the level of detail and thought put into every curve and color layer. ANGELINA AKDIS U-M student contributor Some of my favorite pieces included “Three Hearts are Trouble” and “Wall Flower Green #2.” The amount of detail associated with each layer of paint and overlap of clay was astounding. Each time I walked around to look at a piece I found a new detail or section that intrigued me. Even though the room was relatively small, I could stay there for hours examining each sculpture from every angle. I was struck by how the production of dopamine transcends the act of dressing or viewing art. YehRim Lee, a Chinese ceramic artist, uses her art to capture the human condition. With a goal to have viewers look closer at life through her art she uses multiple painted layers and complex structures to challenge their thoughts. When I looked at her pieces I could see this in her colors. As a result of her constant re-firing technique I was prompted to think about constant human evolution — not only in style but in evolving tastes — reflecting how our dopamine triggers are consistently evolving. After exploring, I’ve come to the conclusion that it is the intentional experience of wanting happiness that brings you dopamine in the first place. As seen in Lee’s exhibit, happiness comes in many shapes and forms. Walking around the small but colorful room exploring the intricacies of each piece I was brought happiness. I, however, truly enjoy exploring art. This may not bring others the same satisfaction. At the very least Dopamine Dressing further shows me how art has the ability to evoke emotions, inspire new perspectives, and bring people together. Whether it's through the beauty of a sculpture, the excitement of live performance, or the thought-provoking messages conveyed in a film, art can play a significant role in promoting well-being and happiness for those who engage with it. I highly recommend carving out 30 minutes of your day to view it! Dopamine Dressing is on display until August 2023 and free to view. YehRim Lee in her studio. Photo credit: U-M Penny Stamps School.
7 Publizr Home