“Birth Is Nice”
3 . 1 WE ARE CULTURE, STANDARD
BANK GROUP EXHIBITION
Standard bank gallery alongside exhibition curator Beediamondhead have put together a fully immersive exhibition: We Are Culture. The exhibition marks the start of an enthusiastic standard bank gallery re-opening after a two year closure to present the work of 13 dynamic young artists in fashion, music, painting, performance art and more.
3 . 1 EXHIBITED GARMENTS
The main point of inspiration and reference were people and discarded mannequins. Sourcing these old unused mannequins and placing them alongside people and their environments particularly in Betrams Johannesburg. Inviting conversation between the real and unreal; the dynamic between the familiar and unfamiliar. From there, film photos were taken to capture the moment to be further curated as a tableaux of time, thereafter the series of films were the point of inspiration to the garments, drawing from colour, compositions, overarching themes and symbols serving as a through line to the whole process.
3.1.1 LOOK 1
Double Breast Puff Quilted Liberty Cotton Jacket with blanket stitch detailing, stuffed with the fabric’s waste and recycled poly fill. Along with draped decorative patches made from second-hand jeans and leftover liberty cotton.
The patches decorated with signifiers such as flowers, cigarettes, toy cars and super hero figurines.
Common items we would find experiencing Harry, Natasha and Jordon in their space.
I see the Quilted Jacket as a couch just like the one Harry, Natasha and Jordon are sitting on depicted in he pictures, soft and comfortable in nature and serves as a place of commune for loved ones.
3.1.2 LOOK 2
Baby pink pure wool & mohair crocheted sweater with irregular patches and baby doll detailing.
Baby pink Ruffled tulle frill skirt, cuffs and a neck piece with baby doll detailing.
Pink sweater made by a lovely Crocheter, Mama Busi also based in Betrams, Johannesburg. It was a pleasure working close with her, learning more about the crocheting craft and her experience of working with yarns for over 3 decades having come from Zimbabwe for better opportunities.
An innocent and soft serving look emulating the energy of the tea party and its participants.
3.1.3 LOOK 3
Neon green anorak with a detachable hood and zips along the under sleeves to unzip into a cape such like the one depicted in the barber shop film images. As well as embroidered black thread to imitate black hair.
Long neon green draped organza attached to the seams of the sleeves and pieces of hair falling along the downwards flow of the organza.
Full Credit List
Film Print Photography: Jack Markovitz/@jackmarkovitz
Film Creative Direction: Khumo Morojele/@kmorojele Jack Markovitz/@jackmarkovitz
Exhibition Film Photography: Mihlali Jiya/@mogul.mihlali
Group Exhibiton Curator & Creative Director: Bee Diamonhead/@bee_diamondhead
Supported And Sponsored By the Standard Bank Gallery