The Afterlife
02/08/2012-03/05/12
Artist: Nicole Johnson
Phone: 773.281.8140
The Afterlife- Nicole Kathleen Johnson
The Afterlife is a collection of garments originally inspired by geometry and the way geometric shapes manifest within Johnson’s illustration style. The shapes in each piece have evolved over time to become unique sculptures. Each garment full of character tells its own story. The first chapter in the garments life was a series of model fittings: here they are pressed and steamed to perfection and ready to stand for their final critiques. Following the fitting is the fast paced photo shoot, capturing the garment in its prime before it hits the brutal fashion runways.
These Pieces have been in five fashion shows, being pulled in every direction, on and off again in seconds the garments underwent major physical changes. A hint of make-up here a stretch in the chiffon there, they now have character. What could be the end of their life has now become the beginning. Some of the beauty in fashion can be lost in a runway show or photoshoot. The Afterlife is an opportunity to give the clothing a second chance. The aging process has brought the intersecting seams, the baby hems as small as a pencil tip and the drape of translucent fabrics to life. These pieces have traces of their journey written on them just as their human counter parts carry scars from their own journey in life. Each piece carries scars and wrinkles from their journey which only makes
photo credit Maureen Peabody
them more beautiful. Just because runway show has ended does not mean the garment’s life has to end as well.
Midnight will hang in Envision from February 8, 2012- March 5th 2012. With an opening reception on February 17th at 5:30-7pm.
Artist Submission:
Envision Gallery at Flourish Studios® is looking for artists whose work speaks to the process of personal change and/or promotes dialogue on community and world issues. Applications are currently being accepted and we encourage submissions from seasoned and emerging artists. All applications and questions should be directed to Sara Perez at 773.281.8140 or sarap@icanflourish.com
About Envision Gallery at Flourish Studios®
The Envision Gallery at Flourish Studios® aims to highlight artists whose work depicts or represents part or all the process of self-transformation and create dialogue on personal or community issues. Artists and their art represent much of what it means to work towards a goal using only one’s personal talents, resources, inner thoughts, and emotions. Art embodies what it takes to make one’s thoughts; conscious and unconscious, talents, history, and self all work together to bring about a piece of art. This “bringing about” is a true metaphor for personal change and bring an idea from within out into the world. Art give us proof that what we think and dream about can be made into reality. At Envision, we believe that each individual person is an artist creating their one way in the world using their own artistic mediums, resources, and talents. We also believe that art one of the key ingredients to helping us all Live, Learn, & Love.
The gallery is approximately 400 square feet (see attachment for actual measurements of available wall space). Walls are painted off-white and have modern track lighting with 14 moveable arms of light. In addition to the gallery space being used in typical art gallery fashion, this space is also available to rent to outside groups for fundraiser, networking, and social events. Furthermore, the following ongoing programs are offered in the gallery and re-highlighted through our marketing efforts as each new art show is installed:
- Take an Art Break – a bona-fide stress management intervention for the community
- Artist Receptions – to highlight and celebrate artists’ creative achievements
- Flourish Studios Speaker Series – experts from the community share what they know to help individuals and families to flourish