Fabricating Change
Title
Fabricating Change
Creator
McGuirk, Tyler
Abstract
This garment aims to raise awareness about the opioid crisis, specifically focusing on
heroin addiction and the effectiveness of harm reduction strategies. It visually represents the physical and emotional toll of addiction, designed to evoke the sensation of entrapment. Features such as tightly wrapped belts, a corset, and the use of red beads on the arms simulate the physical effects of heroin use, including collapsed veins and the discomfort experienced by users. The garment’s intentionally tight fit reflects the suffocating nature of addiction, while the materials, including dense denim and red fabric with black lines, emphasize the heaviness and discomfort associated with the drug. The design is uncomfortable, simulating the relentless grip of addiction and the struggle to break free.
The garment also seeks to educate viewers about the significance of harm reduction
efforts, such as syringe access and naloxone distribution, which are vital in saving lives and supporting recovery. Through intricate craftsmanship, including pleated fabric, steel beads, and hand-stitched embellishments, the garment portrays the devastating impacts of heroin use while engaging with the complexity of addiction. The color palette of black and red intensifies the emotional weight of the design, symbolizing violence, anger, and the mysterious nature of addiction. This piece offers an immersive, thought-provoking experience, encouraging empathy and understanding for those battling addiction while advocating for continued harm reduction strategies.
heroin addiction and the effectiveness of harm reduction strategies. It visually represents the physical and emotional toll of addiction, designed to evoke the sensation of entrapment. Features such as tightly wrapped belts, a corset, and the use of red beads on the arms simulate the physical effects of heroin use, including collapsed veins and the discomfort experienced by users. The garment’s intentionally tight fit reflects the suffocating nature of addiction, while the materials, including dense denim and red fabric with black lines, emphasize the heaviness and discomfort associated with the drug. The design is uncomfortable, simulating the relentless grip of addiction and the struggle to break free.
The garment also seeks to educate viewers about the significance of harm reduction
efforts, such as syringe access and naloxone distribution, which are vital in saving lives and supporting recovery. Through intricate craftsmanship, including pleated fabric, steel beads, and hand-stitched embellishments, the garment portrays the devastating impacts of heroin use while engaging with the complexity of addiction. The color palette of black and red intensifies the emotional weight of the design, symbolizing violence, anger, and the mysterious nature of addiction. This piece offers an immersive, thought-provoking experience, encouraging empathy and understanding for those battling addiction while advocating for continued harm reduction strategies.
Date
2025
Collection
Citation
McGuirk, Tyler, “Fabricating Change,” MU Libraries Digital Exhibits and Online Forums, accessed February 22, 2026, https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/232.
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