“Project Gaudi: An Exploration of Texture and Form,” an exhibition of the work of graduate student Adrienne Anderson, is on display in the Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery through Nov. 22.
Anderson uses textile manipulation to create innovative surface textures and forms inspired by Antoni Gaudi, a Spanish architect who lived from 1852 to 1926. His work in Barcelona is considered to be some of the most innovative architecture of the art nouveau style, characterized by sweeping curves and fanciful pattern work.
This collection, Anderson said, “seeks to represent the identity of (Gaudi’s) work through both the fanciful and dark attitudes of his life.” Surface design is a big part of what makes Gaudi’s work unique, so Anderson said she went out of her way to use uncommon methods of ornamentation and manipulation.
There are both experimental and ready-to-wear looks in Anderson’s complete collection, although only the experimental garments will be on display for this exhibit, as they better represent the inspiration of Gaudi’s vision, she said. The works selected include: Gaudi’s ironwork lamp posts, Casa Vicens, Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, the Dragon Gate of Palau Guell, Palau Guell, Park Guell, and the Sagrada Familia. Anderson said she encourages visitors to research images of Gaudi’s works before or after viewing the exhibition.
Part of the research for this project was the examination of change in identity of a garment from movement on a runway to static in a gallery. A fashion show of the collection was held in October and a video of the show will be running in the gallery to provide evidence of this contrast to the viewer.
The Hillestad Gallery is part of the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design in the College of Education and Human Sciences. The gallery is on the second floor of the Home Economics Building. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays and by appointment. Admission is free.
For more information, go to http://textilegallery.unl.edu or call 402-472-2911.
