Dear Shaded Viewers,
Michaela Stark’s “Panty Show” took place at the Fondazione Sozzani, with the exhibition running until February 25th. This unique exhibition, in collaboration with Charlotte Rutherford, offers a personal and playful exploration of Stark’s Panty collection.
Hosted by Carla Sozzani and Sara Sozzani Maino, the Panty Show is a three-part artistic expression showcasing Stark’s journey from experimenting with draping in her Paris apartment to finding liberation through fashion. Stark’s confessional process reflects her generation’s perspective, addressing issues of body appropriation in collaboration with other artists.
The backdrop for the show draws inspiration from artists Hans Bellmer and John Kacere, challenging outdated attitudes toward the female form. Stark reclaims her voice as a female artist and takes the role of protagonist in her work.
The performance set recreates Stark’s atelier, invitied the audience to share in her experience. She dressed model Yasmin El Yassini in her body-morphing corsetry, capturing the transformation and staging her for photographs. Collaborating with Charlotte Rutherford, Stark highlights the photographer’s ability to see the fantasy in every subject.
The final act featured lingerie-inspired garments, including ten sculptured dolls made from tulle using couture corsetry techniques. Stark’s notebooks documenting her process provide insight into her practice.
Returning to Milan, the city where Stark initially settled during her early studies, the Fondazione Sozzani holds special significance. Milan was the stepping stone that led her to leave Australia and pursue her ambitions in Europe.
Later,
Diane
