'Wrappings: An Art Deco Approach' May 10-27 at Hillestad Gallery
Released on 04/27/2005, at 2:00 AM
Office of University Communications
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
WHEN: Tuesday, May. 10, 2005, through May. 27, 2005
WHERE: Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery, 2nd Floor, Home Economics Building, northeast of 35th & Holdrege Streets
The featured exhibition May 10 through May 27 in the Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will be "Wrappings: An Art Deco Approach" by UNL graduate student Susan Kesler-Simpson.
This exhibition will stand as the visual culmination of her study in the design and conception of wearable art garments. Under the guidance of Barbara Trout, associate professor of textiles, clothing and design, Kesler-Simpson has developed a series of outer garments that possess a unique style and design, yet are the type of garment that any individual can incorporate into her wardrobe.
Kesler-Simpson's love of the Art Deco period provided the impetus for her study. Her research included an in-depth study of visual images, extant magazines and articles, as well as a trip to New York City, where a variety of architectural details provided design ideas and inspiration. Design images were modified and reconfigured to fit within the constraints of the outerwear garments.
After an extensive sampling process, this body of work was developed in felted wool. A variety of wool yardage was felted through a process of washing and drying combined with heat to shrink the wool and compact the fibers, giving the fabric a dense, luxuriant texture. The modified Art Deco motifs were applied through a variety of techniques that include stitching, applique and layering/slashing.
The exhibition will have an opening reception from 7-9 p.m. May 10, with a gallery talk by Kesler-Simpson at 8. The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public. The gallery is on the second floor of the Home Economics Building, northeast of 35th and Holdrege streets on UNL's East Campus. It is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and by appointment. Visitor parking permits may be obtained in the departmental and college offices. Please call (402) 472- 2911 for more information.
The links below are to color JPEG images of two pieces in the exhibition, "Bombay Gold" and "Visual Entropy."
CONTACT: Wendy Weiss, Director, Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery, (402) 472-6370