The debate between Art and Fashion (about Fashion AS Art)
will go on, probably forever, but the exhibition which just opened at
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen will at least move the conversation to a higher level.
The exhibition is beautifully curated by Jose Teunissen and designed by Judith Clark.
It is also thought provoking since it includes an intellectual installation by Christophe Coppens (non-wearable), the conceptual experimentation of Hussein Chalayan (somewhat wearable), the beautiful, almost white, crepe paper cocktail dresses of Dirk Van Saene (wearable 1 time only) and the pop art provocations of Walter Van Beirendonck, including a sarcophagus (wearable for Eternity). Into this mix: the notable
body based sculptures in leather- like bronze and gleaming white resin of London based Naomi Filmer,
Salvador Dali's Sun King perfume Bottle ( made for Elsa Schiaparelli in 1946) and the melancholy sculptures of Louise Bourgeois which really get under your skin.
The exhibition runs until 10.01.10.
Photo # 1 Hussein Chalayan, Foam Dresses 2009
Photo # 2 Schiaparelli, Snuff perfume bottle, 1945
Photo # 3 Performance by Nick Cave dancers
Photo # 4 Christophe Coppens with his Installation
Photo # 5 The work of Christophe Coppens
Photo # 6 Paper dresses by Dirk Van Saene, 1998
Photo # 7 Bronze sculpture by Naomi Filmer
Photo # 8 Installation, The Sequel, Walter Van Beirendonck, 2009
Photo # 9 Remote Control Dress, Hussein Chalayan
Michael James O'Brien
www.michaeljamesobrien.com
