Tag Archives: Victoria and Albert Museum

399 Days

April 28, 2018

FullSizeRender 2399 Days // Rachel Kneebone // 2014 // Porcelain

In a room of historical sculptures in the V&A,  one seems to not quite fit in. Well, that is because it was made in 2014 by British artist Rachel Kneebone. This towering porcelain structure is composed of intricately carved figures. The depth Kneebone was able to achieve in her carvings allows light to penetrate through, illuminating the figures’ movement. The placement of this work in a gallery of Renaissance sculptures provides for a unique juxtaposition of 16th century and 21st century sculptures. 

FullSizeRender 3399 Days // Rachel Kneebone // 2014 // Porcelain

FullSizeRender399 Days // Rachel Kneebone // 2014 // Porcelain

Exhibition Road Quarter

April 26, 2018

FullSizeRender 7Exhibition Road Quarter // Amanda Levete Architects (AL_A)

The latest architectural project at the V&A museum in London was the opening of a new entrance on Exhibition Road. Created out of porcelain tile, this entrance leads to a large courtyard where people can mingle, sit for a cup of tea or walk directly to the temporary exhibitions. The use of porcelain in the design is a tribute to the V&A’s immense 19th century ceramic collection, but in a fresh and modern look. 

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Shaping Fashion

April 25, 2018

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Spanish designer Cristobal Balenciaga is known for his exquisite and elaborate fashion creations. From hats, to evening gowns to capes, Balenciaga has created quite a legacy in the fashion world. The V&A took the opportunity to showcase his pieces in an exhibition titled “Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion.” The bottom floor exhibited Balenciaga’s designs on mannequins whilst the top floor showcased articles of clothing by other designers who were influenced by him.

FullSizeRender 21(L) Regional Dress // Evening Dress // Silk organza with embroidery by Lesage // Cristóbel Balenciaga // Paris // 1960 (R) Flamenco Dancing // Evening Dress // Silk gazar // Cristóbel Balenciaga // Paris // 1962 

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FullSizeRender 16Cream Spiral Hat // Silk // Cristóbal Balenciaga (Eisa Iabel) // Spain // 1962

FullSizeRender 9Cape or Skirt? 

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FullSizeRender 25Dress // Hussein Chalyan // laser cut tulle // designed 2006, made 2011

Suitcase Museum

January 24, 2017

DSC09636.jpgSuitcase Museum // Dayanita Singh

2 Suitcases + 44 photographs = The Suitcase Museum by Dayanita Singh. Currently on view until February 21 in the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum (formerly known as the Victoria and Albert Museum), the objects in this exhibition explore the past and its influence on the future. The work provides a unique and creative perspective of ordinary objects presented in a matter to both intrigue and challenge those lucky to view it. Take for instance the image of the pink colored tied fabric. The cloth shown is used to protect works of art. It is up to the imagination of the viewer as to what lies beneath this dyed material. The works in The Suitcase Museum are part of her publication Museum of Chance, a book of eighty-eight images relating to the passage of time.

SONY DSCSuitcase Museum // Dayanita Singh

SONY DSCSuitcase Museum // Dayanita Singh

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Suitcase Museum // Dayanita Singh

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Suitcase Museum // Dayanita Singh

The Globe

September 8, 2016

IMG_3221.JPGThe Globe // Los Carpinteros (Marco Castillo and Dagoberto Rodriguez) // Fabricated and engineered by TinTab, England (Newhaven) // Solid beech block multiply // 2014

In the midst of historical objects at the V&A is a large wooden sphere. You can walk around it or sphere or even sit inside. Designed by Marco Castillo and Dagoberto Rodriguez, this work is known as The Globe. It can be seen as a bookshelf to hold knowledge and a cage to restrict it.  How do you view this work? Is it a bookshelf or a cage or something else?

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Engineering the World

September 6, 2016

FullSizeRender-3Question: What does the Sydney Opera House, the Denver Art Museum, the Serpentine Pavilions and the Korea Pavilion for Shanghai’s 2010 World Expo have in common? Answer: They are all projects by the engineering and design firm Arup. If you are interested in the art of engineering then be sure to check out “Engineering the World: Ove Arup and the Philosophy of Total Design” at the V&A. This exhibition traces the history of Ove Arup and his engineering marvels. Models of the Sydney Opera House and his design sketches for the Penguin Pool at the London Zoo are on view amongst many others.

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Undressed

June 20, 2016

IMG_4782.jpegThings are certainly heating up at the V&A this summer — bras, thongs and boxers. Despite being your “intimates,” they are all on view at the V&A in the exhibition Undressed: A Brief History of Underwear. Journey through the evolution of underwear as you discover wool corsets, wedding night attire and contemporary lingerie by designers like Stella McCartney. This exhibition will certainly make you think twice about what is under your clothes.