Press Release
HYBRIDS 2
14 February - 14 March 2007
Lacework of snake vertebrae, sea urchin cradled in stitch of hair, porcupine
quill patchwork
This is the fabric of miniature clothing sewn using the content of Victorian
specimen boxes. The findings of Emma Hawkins, collector of curios, are
dissected, carved and tweezer sewn by costumier Anna Cocciadiferro in
this second hybrids collection at Comme des Garçons.
Sitting at school ruler height, paired mannequins bustle impatiently
in the isolation of victorian glass domes. All bodies may be undressed,
tweezer aided, by the costumier, and flat packed for travel.
Using techniques and construction from elizabethan to edwardian, patterning
is based on biology of the animal used, exposing intricacies of innards.
Recycled museum collections have been given attentive restructuring, to
present another mythology, as animal takes on human form.
Snake scales, individually peeled from a skein, are re-sewn with cut
steel. Puritan in the construction (all elements used are antique) horsehair
plucked from an 18th century flywhip provides thread. Five hours to an
inch, is the rule of thumb, for the creation of such constructed textiles.
All work is undertaken with the naked eye, unmagnified, as it would wish
to be seen.
The third collaboration between Emma Hawkins and Anna Cocciadiferro,
this time invites artist Polly Verity, whose miniature chimera and mythological
beasts continue the confusion between animal and man.
Silver wire is delicately carved into shape, describing a minute outline,
then covered in a taut and translucent skein. The creatures are further
adorned by intricately folded geometric paper elements. Scored, creased
and crumpled, fine paper is encouraged to imitate fungi, coral or creature.
The birds and beasts inside their domes have the quiet resolve of a
trapped animal that knows it is useless to fight. A harpie stands quietly,
gazing into the distance, her truncated wings held as though flight is
imminent. Take the lid off any of these domes at your peril. Who knows
what might be unleashed.
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