“SCULPTING THE SENSES” IRIS VAN HERPEN
QAGOMA
June 29-October 7
When fashion transcends the runway, it becomes a gateway to new dimensions where art, design, science, and technology intersect. Such is the world of Iris van Herpen, the internationally acclaimed Dutch fashion designer whose work has been celebrated for its innovative approach to haute couture. The exhibition “Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses” offers an immersive exploration of her practice, currently exclusive to Brisbane, showcasing 130 garments and accessories that challenge the boundaries of fashion.
Van Herpen’s creations are not merely garments but sculptural silhouettes that invite the viewer into a sensory journey through the intricacies of the natural world. Known for dressing icons like Beyoncé, Björk, Cate Blanchett, Lady Gaga, and Tilda Swinton, van Herpen draws inspiration from a vast array of sources, ranging from marine biology to quantum physics. This eclectic mix of influences is evident in her work, which seamlessly blends subtle handcrafting techniques with cutting-edge technology like 3D printing.
Curated by Cloé Pitiot and Louise Curtis from Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, alongside Nina Miall and Jacinta Giles from QAGOMA, the exhibition is a testament to van Herpen’s unique vision. “Sculpting the Senses” is not just a display of fashion but an immersive experience that includes contemporary artworks, natural history specimens, and cultural artifacts, all of which inform and enrich the narrative of van Herpen’s designs.
One of the most striking aspects of the exhibition is the evocation of van Herpen’s Amsterdam studio. Here, visitors can witness the meticulous stages of a dress in development, offering a rare glimpse into the designer’s creative process. This space, dedicated to her fashion shows, highlights the collaborative nature of van Herpen’s work, where the lines between fashion, art, and science blur to create something entirely new.
The exhibition also features an array of extraordinary artworks that complement van Herpen’s designs. Shadow projections by Canadian media artist Philip Beesley create an ethereal atmosphere, while Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang’s explosion drawing adds a dynamic element to the space. Documentary footage by Yann Arthus Bertrand and Michael Pitiot of blooms of phytoplankton and fungal networks, along with Kim Keever’s colorful photographic abstractions, serve as visual representations of the natural phenomena that inspire van Herpen.
Further enhancing the sensory experience, Salvador Breed’s soundscape envelops the entire exhibition, adding an auditory dimension to the visual feast. The kinetic artwork by Casey Curran, featuring 300 gold seed pods, and the haunting sculptures by David Spriggs, push the boundaries of traditional exhibition design, creating an environment where art and fashion converge.
Finally, two immersive installations by the Japanese art collective Mé serve as the perfect coda to this journey through van Herpen’s universe. These installations challenge the viewer’s perceptions of space and time, mirroring van Herpen’s own fascination with the infinite possibilities of the natural and scientific world.
“Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses” is more than an exhibition; it’s a celebration of the endless possibilities when fashion meets art, science, and technology. Van Herpen’s work reminds us that fashion can be a profound exploration of the world around us, one that invites us to look deeper, think broader, and feel more intensely. This exhibition is a must-see for anyone who believes in the transformative power of creativity.