RRRIPP!! Paper Fashion is a spectacular and unique touring exhibition of paper garments from the ATOPOS collection, curated by Vassilis Zidianakis and Stamos Fafalios.
The exhibition is constantly being enriched with rare additions of fashion items from designers such as Issey Miyake, Walter Van Beirendonck, A.F. Vandevorst and Helmut Lang.
The ATOPOS collection of paper fashion is one of the most complete collection of this kind in existence; illustrating the phenomenon of paper as a clothing material; its social, cultural and historical significance. Together with disposable paper dresses and other related material from the 60's, RRRIPP!! Paper Fashion presents creations by major figures in the contemporary art world that highlight the use of paper in fashion, art and design.
During the 60's, paper garments were manufactured from innovative, non-woven materials and new-technology; synthetic fibres that responded to the current need for a quick and disposable commodity. Dresses were adorned with revolutionary designs that embraced the spirit of the time - Pop and Op Art, psychedelia, advertising and even images of the presidential candidates, all reflecting the mood that was the era of their conception.
Featuring such artists as Andy Warhol, Issey Miyake, James Rosenquist, Helmut Lang and Hussein Chalayan, some of the leading names in fashion have been drawn to the concept, using the dress as a canvas for their creations and in the process elevating paper garments to the status of art works.
The ATOPOS collection also includes rare examples of paper Kamiko coats and paper underclothing of the Edo and Meiji periods from Japan, and also China. These pieces are examples of particularly beautiful craftsmanship and connect the history of paper clothing with the ‘paper’ fashion of the sixties.
ATOPOS Cultural Organization, Athens and Barbican Centre are partners on the international tour of the collection. ATOPOS is a non-for profit cultural organization founded in 2003 in Athens.
A lavishly illustrated catalogue featuring essays by Akiko Fukai, Kaat Debo and Christoph Grunenberg accompanies the touring exhibition.
Past touring venues:
Benaki Museum, Athens, Greece
1 Mar- 29 Apr 2007
Musee d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean (MUDAM), Luxemburg
11 Oct 2008 – 2 Feb 2009
ModeMuseum (MoMu), Antwerp, Belgium
6 Mar- 16 Aug 2009
For further information:
Neil McConnon
Head of Barbican International Enterprises
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7638 4141 ext 7572
email: nmcconnon@barbican.org.uk
