Final Show: Curating

I am writing this blog about curating including research of a show in the real world that I think has been curated well. 

I have been visited the New Walk Museum in Leicester and I was attracted by the way how the museum staffs exhibited artworks in the Eygtyion gallery. It was very impressive because the exhibition was interactive. To make the show fun, the staff put some customs and headwears on a short table in the centre of the room. It is easy for children to reach and it allows them to interact with their family. This is an innovative idea that normally artworks are exhibited in glasses or keep a distance away from the audiences, now they can touch, even play with the works. The museum also provided mirrors for people to create their own custom, from head to tones. It let me felt welcomed and friendly.

A picture from the website of New Walk Gallery

The staff told me that they made the interactive artworks based on real objects, as the photo shows above. It is similar to my idea for the previous art project. I intended to make removable LED lights on fashion clothing which related to interactive art. The concepts are similar. So I wanted to use for my real fashion show. I would like to provide some fabric patterns and LED lights in the exhibition room then the audiences might create their unique fashion clothes. I also visited Stitching Show in Harrogate and there was a ten metres stitching event. It inspired me to put some sewing equipment, such as threads, needles and scissors. I can encourage viewers to participate in the creation of fashion and textiles and also make the show funny to visit.

Final Show: Poster concept

I am designing a poster to advertise my final show. The working process and final outcome of the poster will illustrate in this blog. Here is an example in the poster brief.

 TheheARTbeatgal Blog, Urban Art Show Poster [Online image] https://theheartbeat.ca/2012/07/25/urban-art-show/ [Accessed 25/06/18]

This is a standard form of a poster, which includes the title of the show, date, time, location, artists, website address, brands, sponsors, and a picture at the background.
Then, I made a draft poster using 'Sketchbook' on the iPad.

To brainstorm ideas, I started looking for more exhibitions' posters.

 Image from Chloe Friend

A draft inspired by Chloe’s poster, made by Evelyn

I created a new version by looking at Carlos Cruz. See the example below.
I added a shadow of a girl as her design.

 Carlos Cruz-Diez's poster, 2015
However, I think the first version is too wordy and messy. To make it more organised, I rearrange the text.

I researched some textiles fashion shows' poster and get inspirations from them because the previous posters seem to be not successful. The third figure shows a poster of the Cardiff School of Art & Design. I used the idea of how it illustrates images of objects related to textiles, using a digital tool called 'Layout' on my mobile phone. (iPhone 6s)

'Layout', App for editing pictures

I selected the image of my final outcome and used the last layout to create an image combined with squares, which is similar to the poster design by Cardiff School.

 TEXTILES DEGREE SHOW (2013) Cardiff School of Art & Design

The background looks 'messy' because of the textural design on clothes. Therefore, I searched for another poster and referenced the way how it adds text. I used 'Sketchbook' on iPad Pro to draw a white rectangle. Then I change a lower opacity that the audiences can see the text and images underneath at the same time.

 CONTEMPORARY TEXTILE PRACTICE DEGREE SHOW (2012) Cardiff School of Art & Design

Therefore, I created another poster (picture below), using the original colour palette and designed another brand logo specific for this show. It looks better, that the logo is more clear to see and the poster's colours are in relation. This logo matches the colours of the poster now.  I think I can add a link of my website at the bottom of this poster that the viewers can access the virtual show on the internet. Also, social media may be necessary, such as blogger. It allows the audience to chase lastest information of the show and know more about the working process or additional information.

Draft of new ideas.

I changed the colours of the front.

Reference List:

CRUZ_DIEZ, C. (2015) Light Show. [Online image] Available from: light-show_2.html. [Accessed by 18/04/20]

FRIEND, C. (2015) Sowela Art Show Poster. [Online image] Available from: Sowela Art Show Poster. [Accessed by 18/04/20]

CARDIFFSCHOOLOF ART&DESIGN (2012) CONTEMPORARY TEXTILE PRACTICE DEGREE SHOW. [Online image] Available from: Degree show. [Accessed by 30/04/20]

CARDIFFSCHOOLOF ART&DESIGN (2013) TEXTILES DEGREE SHOW. [Online image] Available form: Degree show 2013. [Accessed by 30/04/20]

Art Portfolio: Initial Sketches

Since I have done my initial research and further research, I have enough sources to create the first draft for my final outcomes. Not sure it will success, just try using 'Sketchbook' on iPad to make some sketches.

I am quite satisfied with this outcome and will continue to create other 3 looks.

Four 2D works will be made from materials: plastic gloves, plastic forks, plastic bags, plastic straws.

Art Portfolio: Further Research

I usually use an app on the iPad called 'WallPaper.MAG'. It is a digital gallery shows several magazine covers and update regularly. It has many high-quality pictures and creative, interesting designs. I like using this tool to get inspirations because it is easy to navigate and it illustrates pictures clearly. One thing is not good enough that this app only shows information including the name of the work, artist or designer's name, and year of the work. If I would like to know more about the artwork, I need to do further research using the internet. This is the only weakness of this digital gallery.

Some useful design pattern that I found from this tool, examples show below.

Here are two pictures taken by Liselotte Fleur and the model is Noortje Haak. Although these dresses are not plastic, I like the way how the designer formed the fabrics and layered them together. According to Pieri (2020), the lovely and light tiered dresses manage to offer volume, high drama, and maximum twirl-ability. 

HANNA LASSENGETTY IMAGES

 It is a fashion trend in spring; The materials used are usually light and thin. After layering them up to give volume. the feature of this material is similar to plastic bags we normally use every day. The tiered skirts are designed ankle long. I intended to use sustainable materials making a fashion collection.  I think the tiered dress is very elegant and it is very similar to my intention for this term, I would like to use in my creation.

Reference:

WALLPAPER.MAG. (2020) Noortje Haak. [Photography] In:WallPaper. MAG App

PIERI, K. (2020) 12 Standout Trends That Ruled the Spring 2020 Runways. [Online] Available from: 2020 fashion trends. [Accessed by 05/05/20]

Art Portfolio: Further Research

This blog will show further research of artists and designers' work. I would like to get inspirations from their designs to make my design more creative. Also, I can learn different pattern shapes.

For example, Clothes dissolve on the catwalk during Hussein Chalayan's Spring Summer 2016 show. His designs let me associate a textiles techniques; Free-machine embroidery on dissolvable muslin which use water to melt the plastic fabric and show the embroidery thread.

Photograph by Dan Lecca

I made some samples (2019) of the textiles technique see the pictures below.

Photographed by Evelyn, 2020

I used Angelina fibre and some polyester that this kind of fabric is easy to melt like plastic texture. A cotton piece underneath that it is strong and thick does not stretch when I was embroidering that fabric together. This sample shows the feature of plastic, easy to melt and see-through.

Photographed by Evelyn, 2020

 A similar method, the difference is I add polyester after stitching. When it melted and stuck to the thread. I am not able to make any embroidery at this movement; However, I think it was a nice try that it gives one direction for my creation. I could focus on textures on garment, which to use free-machine embroidery mix with plastic, as the samples shown above. This idea is suitable to create details.

Another innovative design is Balloon Dress which also related to my topic. Inflatable balloon dresses are absolutely mesmerising to watch in utterly bonkers fashion, according to Natasha Harding (2019). In the Central Saint Martins Graduate show, Norwegian designer Fredrik Tjærandsen showcased a range of plastic Bubble Dresses, click here to see the video how it works.



I was excited to look at this bubble dress; It is a brand new idea for me. I have never thought a fashion dress could be shown in this way. I had some ideas about how to innovate, but not sure it would work. For example, if it is possible that the person goes through a wall of cling film, then it wraps him/her up to become a dress. It might be a good concept. I may need a fan to let the plastic film to stick onto the person's body? Maybe, just had a thought. But not going to make it.

Similar concept, balloon dresses by Daisy Balloon. This website is a balloon unit of worldwide balloon artist Rie Hosokai (born 1976) and art director/ graphic designer Takashi Kawada (born 1976). Since 2008, they have produced many balloon artworks. Now showing on their website. Some work from Daisy Balloon, which is my favourite.

Group Exhibition | TOKYO GRAPHIC PASSPORT 2012 +81

Window Display | TAKASHIMAYA OSAKA "Rinten"

Advert | NYLON JAPAN | vol.32 "Kaela's gallery"

Advert | Numero TOKYO 73 "Idea box"

Artwork | 'Forest Apple Bear' DAISY BALLOON Book vol.1

I very like Hosokai's works. They are so spectacular and professional. My favourite is ''Forest Apple Bear''. It is a staged photo; there are many foods, desserts, and fruits on the table. Also, candlestick and wilting flower. They are matching to each other. Conversely, the girl in this image is wearing a transparent plastic dress with brown hair; her skin is white. It shows a big contrast; The photographer used lights smartly to create atmosphere. The main character is bright and the theme colour palette for surrounding is dark. It lets me think of 'Alice in the Wonderland', a feeling of a fairytale. This is the reason why I like this photo, it is very cinematic. Although I am not able to take a series of professional photographs, this research is also valuable and it is similar to my initial idea. I was inspired by Tommas's photos; I have mentioned in the early post.

'Coats also included a layer of see-through plastic over the top, which extended past the hems.' According to  Gareth Pugh's Autumn Winter 2014 show during Paris Fashion Week.

This design shows the flexibility of plastic bags. To be creative and brainstorm ideas. In the beginning, I might not need to thinking of pattern cutting; Just need to think of what shape I would like to make and just do it. Maybe I can surprise myself. This idea I will use for creating 3D work for the next step.

Iris van Herpen, a Dutch fashion designer's work

'Aeriform'

I very like the way how Iris Van Herpen shows the see-through texture like plastic. I think might create this pattern with Free-machine embroidery then I made a sample. It also lets me associate a fashion designer called Xu Ming and his work in Fashion Week 2012.

A model presents a Chinese designer Xu Ming's design

 at China Fashion Week in Beijing on November 1, 2012.

Sample made by Evelyn

I inspired by the pattern from the designers, Xu Ming and Iris Van Herpen, then created this sample piece. I think the technique works quite well with is a pattern. It might look better if on a human body, that viewers can see the see-through texture of the material. I like the effect of the fabric and thread. They provide different volumes and textures.

Most of these works are with the concept of a repeated pattern, where the outcomes are very attractive and standing. I would like to make something like this, but consider the facilities I have now, I am not able to take staged photos like 'Forest Apple Bear'. However, the 'Idea box' is possible.


Reference List:

HOWARTH, D. (2015) Clothes dissolve on the catwalk during Hussein Chalayan's Spring Summer 2016 show. [Online image] Available from https://www.dezeen.com/2015/10/02/clothes-disintegrate-on-catwalk-hussein-chalayans-spring-summer-2016-show-paris-fashion-week/ [Accessed by 17/04/20]

HARDING, N. (2019) Prepare to be equal parts mesmerised and confused by these ballon dresses. [Online image] Available from Balloon Dresses. [Accessed by 18/04/20]

DAISY BALLOON (2020) Work | DAISY BALLOON. [Online image] Available from: Daisy Balloon. [Accessed by 18/04/20]

HOWARTH, D. (2014) Gareth Pugh dresses models like abominable snowmen and wind-up toys. [Online image] Available from https://www.dezeen.com/2014/02/28/gareth-pugh-dresses-models-like-abominable-snowmen/. [Accessed by 18/04/20]

MEAD, R. (2017) IRIS VAN HERPEN'S HI-TECH COUTURE. [Online image] Available from: iris-van-herpens-hi-tech-couture. [Accessed by 18/04/20]

Art Portfolio: Project Plan: Textiles & Plastic Fashion

Here is my plan for my project, Textiles & Plastic Fashion. I created this poster on  Piktochart.com. Click here to access my planner.

Art Portfolio: Project Sign Off

I have designed a project theme and developed my initial idea. Now I am adding the project sign off the form here: Textiles & Plastic Fashion

In the beginning, I applied the ideas of my intended outcome and used a digital tool 'Sketchbook' in the iPad to create a sample piece with a design from VOGUE. I took a photo of a plastic fork from my flat and repeated this pattern to create a concept of layers on the dress.

Photos: Getty Images; Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com

Fantastic Plastics

A transparent plastic dress, c. 1942; Craig Green Fall 2019

Fantastic Plastic: Edited by Evelyn

This idea is from a British artist, Susie MacMurray. The wedding dress is created by 1400 plastic dishwashing gloves and is called 'A Mixture of Frailties'.

A Mixture of Frailties 2004 

1400 Household Gloves turned Inside Out 

Calico 

Tailors Dummy (private collection) 

This is just the idea for my intended outcome. Of course, it will be more completed and developed in the final pieces. As I said at the beginning, the aim of this term is to make simple and creative designs. Therefore, I will keep researching designers or artists like Susie MacMurray, to show fashionable and textural design at the same time in a simple way.

Reference List:

BORRELLI-PERSSON, L.(2019) Inspired by Craig Green’s Fall 2019 Lineup, a Look at Fantastic Plastics in Fashion. [Online image] Available From https://www.vogue.com/article/trace-a-trend-plastics-in-fashion-craig-green. [Accessed by 11/04/20]

MACMURRAY, S. (2004) A Mixture of Frailties 2004. [Online image] Available from: A Mixture of Frailties 2004. [Accessed by 11/04/20]

Final Show: Mood Board Creation

It is always difficult to make consistent designs for a project. The concept of a final show is also a challenge that need to ensure as all elements in the show are connected and display well. As an initial planner and a tool to find theme colour palette, mood board is very helpful.  So I created a mood board for the final show, it is related to my previous project, 'Lighting & Fashion'. Here is the link: Mood Board for Final Show 2020

I like creating a mood board initially as it is very convenient for looking for a colour palette and organise sources. I was very confused and feeling lost to find the theme colour for the last project due to a large number of research. At last, I was very pleased with this board and the grey-brown colour palette looks very suitable for my collection. It actually works quite well as the result.

The theme colours for this example above is brown and grey green as the embellishment. In the final show, I would like to make an improvement where the paper texture background in the portfolio changes to wooden based. It might be more liked to the sources on the mood board. I considered to make another mood board where focused on a yellowy colour palette. I think it looks more related.

I think the colours look great. However, considering it is a textiles fashion show, those two mood boards seem to concentrate too much on lightings. To avoid confusion, I made another mood board which focuses on knitwear, fabric, threads, wool yarns, fashion clothing, etc. Also, it shows two different colours of wooden frames which I wanted to use for the final show as a concept. I think it looks better because the audiences might know what is this show about based on this mood board.

Final Show: Logo Design

This blog illustrates some ideas of my brand logo design. First of all, the picture below is the previous version which I designed for my website. For making improvement, I have looked at some famous fashion designers' brand logos and see how they work.

I brainstormed for the brand logo. Here is the sketches.

One of my favourite fashion brands is Karl Lagerfeld. Its logo looks very simple. As Karl Lagerfeld is one of the most celebrated designers in the 21 century, this logo includes his head in letter 'K' in his name. It is a quite smart idea to design a logo.

For my design, I change the idea of Karl Lagerfeld's logo. I made my name as a human face which combined by two Chinese characters '空白' and the meaning is 'empty'. The characters are in two circles, looks like a stamp. I added '空白' in Japanese underneath and also the year I created my website. 

This idea came from a Japanese animation, 'NO GAME No LIFE'. I very like the main characters,'くうはく', then I have used this name as a nickname for many years. Here also from an inspiration of a brand, 'SuperDry', where it also mixed the Chinese and Japanese in the brand logo.

I made a questionnaire for my sketches of brand logo designs and this one is the most popular. The idea of squares is from one of my favourite Japanese clothing brand 'UNIQLO', with bold text and sharp colour background.

Since 'くうはく' means 'empty' and 'nothing', there is a concept. The aim of this brand is to make anything be possible and always creative. Just like adding text to a blank paper. These squares just like digital files in laptop. The number is infinite and all about creating. I continued to use purple as my theme colour.

These two logo does not show my subject area well- Textiles Fashion. Then I created a more simple and direct logo specific for the final show, using 'Sketchbook' on iPad Pro. I simplify my name 'Evelyn Chow' to 'EC' and create a symbol. I  used the original colour palette from the final outcome, so it looks matched to the whole theme colours of the show and the poster.

I also tried to create a brand logo online. There is a platform called 'Brand Crowd'. It is quite convenient that there are two search boxes. I can fill a subject and my brand name there and it will show design ideas in relation. I wanted to find the similar colours to my project, it was difficult. Here is the final version by using the website. Compare to the last one, I prefer the one created by 'Sketchbook'. It is still a nice try to use different tools.

Reference List: 

LAGERFELD, K. (2000) ABOUT THE BRAND. [Online image] Available from: about-us [Accessed by 11/04/20]

SUPERDRY (2020) About us. [Online image] Available from:  https://www.superdry.com/component/content/article/823 [Accessed by 11/04/20]

UNIQLO (2020) UNIQLO UK. [Online image] Available from: https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/account. [Accessed by 11/04/20]

BRANDCROWD (2020) Sewing Ideas Logo. [Online image] Available from: BrandCrowd. [Accessed 29/04/20]