Structure in Many Forms
February 25, 2013 § Leave a comment
Last year, Cité de la Mode et du Design displayed WHITE DRAMA, the spring/summer 2012 collection by Comme Des Garcons. This video features clips from the exhibit and some beautiful shots of the building, located at Les Dock in Paris.
The building itself demonstrates a lovely example of parasitic architecture. In this instance, the architects call the form a Plug-Over: “a structure that wraps over the top of the building, appearing as a warped and faceted protuberance of green-fritted glass that snakes across its river-facing facade.¹”
Designed by Jakob + MacFarlane, the glass addition emerges out of an old, concrete warehouse. A grassy terrace allows walkers to stroll just above the La Seine.
The addition is used for events and is home to the French Institute of Fashion (IFM).
Dogon Masks of Mali
February 19, 2013 § 1 Comment
“Hidden in the mysterious Bandiagara Cliffs of southern Mali, West Africa, live a people who claim to be the conduit between heaven and Earth: the people of the Dogon.º” Their ornate masks reflect the devastating beauty that surrounds them.
Dogon Masks – Photo Courtesy of Anthony Pappone
Carved and colorful, these pieces are used for tribal ritual. Each has a name and a designated pattern that represent animals, mythical beings, or other natural forms.
Dogon Sirige Mask – Photo Courtesy of National Geographic
The masks are typically comprised of wood, fibers, and paint. Other materials, such as feathers, seeds, quills, and bone, are sometimes incorporated.
Dogon Mask – Photo Courtesy of Native Line
“Dogon masks rank among the most respected within the world of tribal art collections and have influenced such Western 20th-century artists as Picasso and Braque, even the Cubist movement.°” The masks are truly are something to marvel at, as is how the Dogon have managed to preserve their culture against the changing world that surrounds them.
ºRainier, Chris. “Unique Dogon Culture Survies in West Africa,” National Geographic News. 29 May 2003.
Obsession of the week: Native Line
February 5, 2013 § Leave a comment
Justine Ashbee explores “new forms in woven precious metals, golds, and silver” through her gorgeous woven textiles.
Woven Textiles by Justine Ashbee – Photo Courtesy of LittleGemBlog.blogspot.com
“Inspired by the timeless motifs of indigenous woven craft work, Justine combines geometric lines with shimmering metals, to create luminary pieces of woven art, whether for your wall, or to wear as every day statement pieces.”
Native Line Woven Textiles – Photo Courtesy of NativeLine.com
“Native Line consists of one off woven pieces, wearable jewelry, hanging light sculptures, & wall hangings, all of which stem from her early explorations in weaving metal sculptures.”
Check out her beautiful work at NativeLine.
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