Flyer for my exhibition "wifebeater?" Designed by me

I first heard the term wife beater when I worked at a deli and a customer asked for it, I was shocked at first and I didn’t know what he was looking for, then I was told by my manager that he wanted the white tank top. From that point on, the term wife beater was embedded in my mind. I remember growing up seeing my father and my uncles wear this garment, it’s worn by a lot of men in India so it’s difficult to comprehend the idea that this innocent, staple piece of clothing has such a negative connotation to it. The origin of this term is rooted in a disturbing history, as it was named after a man who committed the heinous act of murdering his wife while wearing a tank top. This revelation sparked a profound question in my mind: why is such a negative term associated with a seemingly essential piece of clothing? I want to explore what this term means in the 21st century through interviews and photos of people wearing it. By inviting my peers to join, I hope to raise awareness and prompt discussions about the impact of this term. Let's rethink and find alternatives to a phrase tied to a dark history, turning it into an opportunity for change.