Sculpting the Senses: Iris Van Herpen Exhibition at QAGOMA

From June 29 to October 7, the QAGOMA in Brisbane will host a groundbreaking exhibition titled “Sculpting the Senses” by world-renowned Dutch fashion designer Iris Van Herpen. It promises to be a sensational blend of fashion, art, design, technology, and science.

What is it about ?

Iris Van Herpen, a name synonymous with innovation and originality in contemporary fashion, created her own fashion line in 2007. Known for her dynamic and unconventional approach to techniques and materials, Van Herpen masterfully combines delicate handcrafting with sophisticated contemporary technologies such as 3D printing. Her unique couture pieces have adorned celebrities including Beyoncé, Tilda Swinton, Lady Gaga, Cate Blanchett and Björk, making her a pioneer in tech-driven fashion design.

Curated by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (MAD) in Paris, “Sculpting the Senses” makes its debut in Brisbane before travelling to Asia and Europe.

For the first time, over one hundred of Van Herpen’s ensembles will be showcased alongside works from 40 contemporary artists and designers, as well as natural science artifacts such as corals and fossils. This multidisciplinary display highlights Van Herpen’s diverse interests in philosophy, life sciences, and physics.

A section of this exhibition will evoke the atmosphere of Van Herpen’s Amsterdam studio, revealing the creative process behind her intricate designs. An area dedicated to her fashion shows will also be featured. This exhibition will be accompanied by a new soundtrack created by artist Salvador Breed, enhancing the immersive experience.

At 39, Iris Van Herpen is now the youngest designer to have a solo exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in its 140-year history. Her work, often lauded by prestigious publications in Vogue and the New York Times, continues to redefine the boundaries of fashion and art.

Other renowned artists will be presented:

Alongside Van Herpen’s creations, the exhibition will feature contributions from several artists. Among them, the two French film directors Yann Arthus Bertrand and Michael Pitiot, who co-produced seven full-length documentaries. One of their creations, the 2012 “Planet Ocean”, will be featured.

• Philip Beesley: Canadian media artist known for his interactive installations.
• Cai Guo-Qiang: Chinese artist famous for his drawings and explosive events.
• Kim Keever: Photographer creator of colorful abstractions.
• David Spriggs: Sculptor recognised for his haunting, large-scale installations.
• Casey Curran: Artist creator of kinetic gold artworks.
• Me (Japanese collective): Known for their immersive art installations.
• Astronomical Photographs: Stunning images showcasing the wonders of outer space.

Key information:

Exhibition dates: From June 29 to October 7, 2024

Location: QAGOMA, Stanley Place, South Brisbane, Queensland, 4101, Australia