The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk
Exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art closes February 12, 2012
GO SEE IT!!!!
I just have to make a post about this exhibit. It is just spectacular! The way the show is hung is amazing and so perfect for the incredible fashion in the exhibit. When you step into the first gallery, there is a virtually animated image of Jean Paul along with the other mannequins. It is an eery virtual presence, but I thought it was just marvelous and mesmerizing. I was fascinated with this technological aspect of the exhibit.
As we wandered through the show, I noticed the conversations the viewers were having about the show. They were animated! People that were next to us, who we didn't know, were striking up conversations about the work they saw. I've never really seen so many people talking and interacting with the work quite like this show. I think perhaps it's because we all wear clothing and can relate to what we see (either thinking we could or couldn't wear a particular fashion statement). I really loved seeing so many people marveling at the time, effort and money that was put into each piece. Watch the video below to get a tiny glimpse of the exhibit.
As a textile artist, I sewed a lot of my clothes in junior high and high school. During my weaving career, I had a line of handwoven clothing I sold, though I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I've always loved fashion and as I came to the end of the exhibit (for my second time), I said to my husband, "I just don't push the fashion envelope like I used to!" It seriously makes me want to play (though my closet needs some new pieces to play with!) more with my clothing. We'll see. I suppose I marvel at how much fun he has had as well as how fearless he is in his art. As an art teacher, I just love this exhibit of divergent thinking! I am always encouraging my students to think more divergently - his divergent thinking is to the power of 10!!! A great inspiration, Jean Paul absolutely rocks the catwalk!
