The Blonde who was made Brunette

Not all is what it seems to be in art. I chanced upon this video from the National Gallery. It impressed me how the touch of paint completely altered the whole outlook of the original intent of this picture. Which version do you prefer?

Where on Art? - Second Lives

Hanging made from a dragon robe, China, 19th century. TM 2009.9.2. Gift 

of Elina Vesara Ostern Trust.

Today I am introducing another new feature which I plan to offer here on Fairyfiligree as regularly as possible. Where on Art? is all about art exhibitions which may be found anywhere around the globe. Whilst I publish the blog from a tiny island in the Med, I am aware that my readers and followers come from all corners of the globe. So Fairyfiligree is constantly seeking info about inspiring exhibitions which might be close to where you live, work or travel.

'Second Lives - The Age-Old Art of Recycling Textiles' is an exhibition focusing on re-inventing the wheel or rather, the textile. Take the image above - a wall hanging made from a Chinese dragon robe.

Left:  Chief Anotklosh of the Taku Tribe, wearing a ceremonial mantle, Juneau, Alaska, ca. 1913. Courtesy of the Seattle Museum of History & Industry. 

Right: Vest made from a ceremonial mantle, Northwest coast of North America, ca. 1825-1875. TM 1963.53.1. Gift of Alan R. Sawye

Ceremonial mantles, or cloaks, were sometimes cut into pieces and distributed as gifts by the Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Haida tribes of the Northwest Coast-resulting in creative reimaginings of the prized cloth, such as with this vest shown above.

Hanging -Afghanistan 20th century (detail)

This exhibition has been at The Textiles Museum, Washington D.C.   since last February and will stay on show until January 8, 2012.

Recycling is nothing new after all!

Some pictures I like

Pink and Colourful Mediterranean Stripes

As you know, whenever I come across an artist whose works entice me, I like to feature here on this blog.

Meet the art of Shell Sherree whose shop on Etsy is so very delightful.

This Australian artist creates some especially whimsical and delicate artistic renderings of what inspires her about special locations.

More often than not you will find soft coloured flowers, animals and peculiarities that create that certain characteristic air about the place she has been visiting. whether it's a street in a foreign city (Paris is a strong favourite!) or a comfortable living room she'd like to spend more time in.

Paris Bicycle Romance

Date With a Stack of Light Reading

 

(Images have been used with permission)

Krizia - inspiration from art

One of the Italian designers who openly admitted being inspired directly from art is Krizia. The brand was born from Mariuccia Mandelli who kicked off her working career as a teacher in the 1950s. Then in 1954 she dropped everything to follow a bee in her bonnet - that of designing clothes. 1954 saw the birth of Krizia.  In 1957 sdhe presented her first collection in Torino and in 1964 shows off her fashion at Palazzo Pitti and receives the fashion critic award.
Krizia's fashion was inspired by the art of varied artists, ranging from Calder's sculpture (1982 collection); Kandinskij's paintings (1983 collection); Anloln Pevsner's constructivism (1988 collection).

Here is a fantastic 1991-1992 autumn/winter Krizia outfit with 'bejewelled' embroidery inspired by the great Gustav Klimt...

Art on my Blog

Portrait of a Painter

You will have noticed that FairyFiligree's sidebar has become more artistic of late. I am happy to host a number of extremely talented artists on this blog. All art featured depicts an aspect of vintage fashion as is the nature of this blog - Beautiful Art + Beautiful Vintage Fashion.
If you are an artist, a designer, somebody clever with crafting and enjoy making special things for special people to enjoy, to gift and to live with, then why not drop me a line? I might find a little space on this sidebar to help you promote your beautiful handiwork.
Have a lovely, sunny & creative weekend.