COLLABORATIONS 3: Homo Faber - The Obi Wrapping Ring
Homo Faber is an exhibition that celebrates superlative craftsmanship; the 2022 edition opened in Venice on April 10th 2022 running until May 1st. 15 curators were invited to explore the traditions of the handmade in Japan, drawing upon the curatorial talents of some of the finest names in their fields, among them award-winning director and visual artist Robert Wilson and renowned fashion exhibition maker Judith Clark.
The 2022 edition had a special focus on Japan, and Alice was honoured to have been invited by Judith Clark to produce a piece inspired by her love of Japanese kimono, obi and miniature painting, and which celebrates the great craft skill of her London-based makers. The result is the Obi Wrapping Ring …
The Obi Wrapping Ring
The Obi Wrapping Ring curves around the fingers as the Obi curves around the waist. As with the Obi, the central wrapping band can be worn with different ‘kimono’ creating unique readings and juxtapositions of symbolism. Each of the three Kimono Landscapes that are part of this piece are therefore able to be interchanged, the central Obi band constructed like a watch to be opened and closed. Inspiration has been drawn from the very personal source of Alice’s own collection of Obi and Kimono, as well as from the Chiso archive.
Genealogies of Ornament
Curated by Judith Clark Genealogies of Ornament showcases the craftsmanship of 15 luxury maisons dedicated to making the finest watches, tailoring, kimonos, jewellery, perfume and much more, in a multi-layered installation for which Clark has become world renowned.
Judith Clark is an exhibition maker, curator of dress and currently Professor of Fashion and Museology at University of the Arts London, where she co-directs the Centre for Fashion Curation. Clark opened the first experimental gallery of fashion in London. Since then she has curated 40 fashion exhibitions. Commissioning museums include the V&A in London, ModeMuseum in Antwerp and Palazzo Pitti in Florence. In 2015 she curated and designed the inaugural exhibition at La Galerie Louis Vuitton in Asnières, while in 2018 she created the Fashion Inside and Out exhibition for the inaugural Homo Faber. Clark lectures internationally on issues of dress display.
The Michelangelo Foundation
Homo Faber is organised by the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship, a private, international, non-profit foundation based in Geneva, Switzerland. Established by Johann Rupert and Franco Cologni, the Michelangelo Foundation’s mission is to preserve, encourage and promote fine craftsmanship.
The Michelangelo Foundation is aware that, in spite of the advent of modern technologies, human hands will always possess the unique ability to create meaningful objects, spared from standardisation and homogeneity. Thus the Foundation seeks to facilitate connections between European master artisans and a conscious, curious clientele, enabling the latter to discover – either directly or through digital experience – the workshops, ateliers and artisanal businesses active throughout distinct regions and territories.
To safeguard the competitive advantage of the artisanal sector, which produces objects that reflect the human character of creativity and make our lives more beautiful, the Michelangelo Foundation fosters exchange and collaboration between fine craftsmanship and design, and between master artisans and those who commission bespoke creations.
The ultimate aim is to encourage the growth of a new cultural movement, one which would bring with it both social and economic rewards, most notably increased employment opportunities for artisans. Furthermore, through its dynamic and multinational network, the Michelangelo Foundation cultivates synergies to stimulate ideas, exchange and new projects.