Field trip to the Tate modern gallery

We went to the tate gallery and did some sketches of works we found inspiring. I particularly liked work by artist Marcel Duchamp, 'The bride stripped bare by her bachelors, even. I found his art quite mentally stimulating as you have to engage with the piece to understand its meaning which isnt obvious. The top panel is the bride and the bottom one her bachelors. The piece conveys themes of human sexulaity which is a continuation of themes used in previous works by Marcel.

Hussein Chalayan/ swarovski and laser diode dress

   
This video showcases Husseins 2008 spring/summer dress that had swarovski crystals over red laser diodes which thus lit up the over laid crystals giving altering light radiations. The reason I've added this video is that this dress in particular I found very stirring. Husseins has stated that he wanted the effect if the piece to be of running lava.

Further research into Hussein Chalayan

Hussein's work is very inspirational to me. I find his peculiar and innovative approach to fashion and design so alluring. I’ve sketched a few of his pieces that relayed to me a real sense of creation and stimulating design.  The visit we went on to the exhibition was very significant for me as I have found great motivation from Hussein’s design methods which are generated from individual thought processes. I found an interview with Hussein by designboom who met Hussein Chalayan at the swarovski crystal palace presentation in Milan on April 6th, 2006.

‘What advice would you give to the young?’

‘The important thing in the design world is to be always thinking

of something that isn't already done.

otherwise, the ones that are doing it will do it better than you.

also, opening to yourself to sort of other things that can inspire

design rather than looking at design constantly.

you have to expose yourself to other worlds to keep your

mind more active.’

Hussein Chalayan

We were immediately immersed into the thought processes of the prolific and unconvential designer Hussein Chalayan. We were taken to his exhibition exploring his range of B-side works which showcase his pieces that steer away from fashion design and take on a fine art stance. I was particularly enamoured with his art film 'Anaesthetics.' The piece conveyed alienation to the way of life enforced by society. He makes reference to the desensitization of humanity which he presents through the horrific and brutal gutting of a fish and how it is then formed into something beautiful in this case sushi. From this I was inspired to create some designs emulating and paying homage to his intriguing themes. I also enjoyed the inertia positives and negatives which explore a strong theme of process and outcomes.