“Dressed,” featuring artists Catherine Bertulli, Jodi Collella, Merril Comeau, Mia Cross, Nancy Grace Horton, and Marky Kauffmann, at the Danforth Art Museum at Framingham State University through December 29, is another must see exhibition created by curator Jessica Roscio Ploetz. From the curatorial statement, “Dressed broadly addresses materials, imagery, iconography and memory, each artist experimenting with the fluidity of form while acknowledging gendered constrictions placed on the body. To be “dressed” implies a range of situations and experiences. Dressed is about adornment and identity.” Beyond subject, what is important about this exhibition is that it hosts work that is material and process diverse grounded firmly in and exemplifying contemporary aesthetic trends that are influenced by and continue the blending of maximalist versus minimalist approaches. Beautiful … [Read more...] about Catherine Bertulli in Dressed at Danforth Art Museum at Framingham State University
Fashion
SVAC’S RECYCLED BEAUTY: UNUSUAL FASHION THREADS SHOWCASED IN VERMONT
When I was in high school in New York City in the ‘70s, it was de rigueur for girls to clothe themselves from local thrift shops. It was not unusual to see your friends in Lanvin or Schiaparelli working a Bunsen burner in bio class. That was before Upper East Side ladies donated to the Met, and before the Costume Institute was established and before there was a sizable tax benefit to giving away your vintage Valentino. As a societal force, sustainability was just getting a bit of traction and it was a small circle of worrywarts who pondered, “what’s going to happen to all this stuff in 59 years?” The Southern Vermont Arts Center (SVAC) has mounted a thought-provoking exhibition entitled, “Unusual Threads: Stitching Together the Future of Fashion,” that centers on the haute couture fashion industry’s need to reinvent itself season after season with the dual purpose of producing a … [Read more...] about SVAC’S RECYCLED BEAUTY: UNUSUAL FASHION THREADS SHOWCASED IN VERMONT
Performing For The Camera
Tseng Illuminates At Tufts by Franklin W. Liu The beauty of viewing a retrospective collection of artworks is that it reveals the artist’s unique, life-long personal view of the world; when that body of work transcends the status quo, it often modifies our own perception spanning that same passage of time. Tseng Kwong-Chi was such an artist. Tseng Kwong-Chi (1950-1990) vibrantly lived a brief 39 years. Unhampered by conventional societal standards, he lived what must have been an enviable, charmed life — keeping the company of celebrated cultural icons like Andy Warhol and Madonna — while his contemporaries Cindy Sherman, Julian Schnabel and Jeff Koons were the influential artists of the day, all making waves in the rocking 1980s, shaping Tseng’s thinking. Tseng’s “deconceptual” photography-art was staged: it pushed back against the viewer’s preconceived notion of … [Read more...] about Performing For The Camera
Think Pink at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
By Paige Smith BOSTON, MA - Tucked away in the midst of the winding hallways of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston lies an exhibition that glistens with femininity and beauty. “Think Pink” enlightens visitors on the history behind the color pink through various mediums reflecting high fashion couture from the 1700s through the 21st century. As you walk through the show’s threshold, the center of the room creates a sense of the fashion runway. Mannequins grace the platform in glamorous outfits from the various historical time periods. Each outfit is constructed out of pink shades of color and patterns. The exhibition walls surrounding the center platform are filled with artistic creations ranging from ink drawings, luxurious accessories and fashion pieces. The selection of art expresses how the color pink has evolved over the years into an iconic symbol of gender association, fashion … [Read more...] about Think Pink at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Chanel Brings the Sparkle Back to Newbury Street
By Ari Garber Boston, MA- The walls of the new Chanel Boutique at 6 Newbury Street in Boston were dressed even more finely than the guests at its December 6 opening celebration. New York architect Peter Marino, who designed the store’s mirror clad walls, attended the party, as did French artists Johan Creten and Jean-Michel Othoniel, who created the rich and evocative sculpture installations that adorn the boutique. A cascade of glass baubles hang in front of a shining black stone wall on the first floor. This piece by Othoniel obviously refers to Coco Chanel's trademark pearl necklaces, but like the music playing alongside the clatter of high heels on the tile floor and the champagne bottles popping in the kitchen behind the scenes, they pack a modern energy that transports classic elegance into a new age. Nearby, Creten's golden sculptures look like molten lava, fueling the fire of … [Read more...] about Chanel Brings the Sparkle Back to Newbury Street
Artist/Rebel/Dandy: Men of Fashion” exhibit at the RISD Museum
By Newlin Tillotson Providence, RI- Proving men’s fashion to be more than just the basics, the “Artist/Rebel/Dandy: Men of Fashion” exhibit at the RISD Museum in Providence shows a swanky and trend-focused side of men’s clothing. This timeline exhibit takes a look at the origin of the “dandy,” a man who is style-minded, artistic and bold. It starts with Beau Brummell, the “pioneer” of dandyism in London, who introduced society to fitted, tailored clothing. With Brummell, men’s fashion parted from breeches and stepped into full-length trousers and the modern men’s suit. Garments such as the coat of Edward Carrington from 1820 reveal opulence in the silk lined collar and silk covered buttons. The broadcloth used in men’s suits at the time was luxurious and allowed tailors to achieve a well-formed fit. The dandy faced ridicule however, with unfavorable depictions cropping up in … [Read more...] about Artist/Rebel/Dandy: Men of Fashion” exhibit at the RISD Museum