Material Translations
dal 2/11/2012 al 6/4/2013
Segnalato da
2/11/2012
Material Translations
The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago
Japanese Fashion from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Presented in the museum's dramatic Ando Gallery, this exhibition provides examples of the most innovative designs from the 1980s through the 2000s.
In the 1980s, Japanese designers carried out a momentous redefinition of dress with exciting runway presentations that expressed new philosophical and artistic points of view. In a nod to these groundbreaking explorations and to celebrate the 25th year of the School of the Art Institute’s Fashion Resource Center (FRC), the FRC and the Department of Asian Art at the Art Institute showcase garments that took the fashion world by storm and brought Japanese designers to the fore.
Presented in the museum’s dramatic Ando Gallery, this exhibition provides examples of the most innovative designs from the 1980s through the 2000s. One is a radical concept by Rei Kawakubo, her 1983 sack dress that characterizes the aesthetic of poverty—concealing, not revealing the female form in muted color. In another garment, Kawakubo befittingly and humorously embodies the meaning of her design label Comme des Garçons (literally translated as "like some boys') with her adaptation of a ballet dancer's nylon and polyester skirt laced with heavy cowhide. The companion jacket, whose pattern was developed from the fabrication of a baseball mitt, likewise contrasts feminine and masculine. Also included are recently acquired designs inspired by anarchic currents of youthful expression by Jun Takahashi of Undercover. A site-specific video projection by artist Jan Tichy, Installation no. 16, complements the bold fashions on display.
This exhibition marks the first collaboration between the FRC and the museum, as well as the first time that fashions from this collection are on public view.
Sponsor Jenner&Block
Support is provided by Jenner and Block LLP and the Terrence Truax Family.
Designed by Rei Kawakubo for Comme de Garçons. Leather Baseball Mitt Jacket and Coordinate Net, Polyester, and Leather Skirt, 2005. Purchased with Fashion Resource Center funds.
Opening saturday, november 3
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