Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses - A Feast for the Senses in Brisbane

Brisbane, known for its vibrant arts scene, is now hosting an exclusive exhibition showcasing the mesmerizing work of Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen. Known for dressing music icons like Beyoncé, Björk, Lady Gaga, and Rihanna, as well as Oscar-winning actresses Cate Blanchett and Tilda Swinton, van Herpen brings her avant-garde creations to the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA).

"Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses" is one of GOMA's major exhibitions for 2024, following the enchanting "Fairy Tales" exhibition that captivated the city earlier this year. This exhibition, running until October 7, 2024, plunges visitors into the ethereal world of van Herpen, where haute couture meets art and design, seamlessly blending traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology.

Van Herpen is widely recognized as a pioneer in 3D printing fashion, having created one of the first garments using this revolutionary technique. Her designs transcend mere clothing, becoming intricate sculptures that explore the boundaries of both art and fashion.

The exhibition features over 130 pieces, spanning van Herpen's illustrious career. Organized into nine distinct chapters, visitors are invited to explore the diverse inspirations behind her work, from the captivating allure of the sea to the boundless mysteries of the cosmos.

Each chapter delves into different aspects of van Herpen's artistic vision, showcasing the skeletal structures, dreamlike sheen, and technological advancements that define her unique style. The exhibition also offers an intimate glimpse into her studio, complete with a captivating "cabinet of curiosities" and a dedicated space showcasing the development process of her iconic creations.

Adding to the immersive experience, the exhibition includes a soundscape composed by Dutch sound artist Salvador Breed, van Herpen's partner, further enhancing the multi-sensory exploration.

"Sculpting the Senses" highlights a selection of van Herpen's most celebrated collections, including the water-themed "Crystallization" (2010), the captivating "Sensory Seas" (2020) inspired by the beauty of hydrozoa, and the intricately detailed "Micro" and "Hybrid Holism" collections (2012), which draw inspiration from the microscopic world.

One of the exhibition's highlights is the mesmerizing "Hypnosis" (2019), a cape-slash-dress that features a kaleidoscopic pattern in inky black, masterfully playing with the mind's journey between conscious and unconscious states.

Beyond van Herpen's captivating creations, the exhibition also features complementary works by renowned artists, including Yayoi Kusama, Cai Guo-Qiang, Japanese art collective Mé, Kohei Nawa, Megan Cope, Philip Beesley, and many more.

"Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses" is a must-see for fashion enthusiasts, art lovers, and anyone seeking a truly immersive and thought-provoking experience. This exhibition not only celebrates the genius of Iris van Herpen but also underscores the transformative power of fashion as an art form.