Artist Blurs the Line Between Art and Fashion

Wednesday, 02 November 2005 12:28

CINCINNATI.-Where does fashion end and art begin? If a sculpture is wearable, does it cease being a sculpture? The Cincinnati Art Museum presents Cat Chow, an exhibition of wearable art made from unconventional materials. New York-based artist Cat Chow is fascinated by works constructed of multiples of the same material, and by that she doesn’t mean 100% cotton. Instead, Chow creates garments and sculptures made of nontraditional materials such as measuring tapes, dollar bills and soap labels. “Unconventional materials capture my attention and compel me to transform them into an article of clothing,” said Chow. Chow’s most recent work was commissioned by the Museum for the exhibition and has a definitive Cincinnati flavor: A dress made entirely of (Procter & Gamble’s)P&G’s Ivory soap Soap labels. This work, purchased with funds from the Museum-affiliated Friends of Fashion society, will be on display along with a house dress made of measuring tapes, a dress full-length gown made of one continuous zipper and a dress made from 1,000 shredded dollar bills along with a dozen other works. “We’re thrilled and honored that Ms. Chow chose the Ivory brand to help interpret her design vision,” said Jessica Peralto, marketing, Ivory Soap. “Her design is reminiscent of simpler times and reflects the purity and versatility of this iconic brand that has been a symbol of Americana for more than 125 years.” Through close inspection of the garments and raw materials Chow uses in her art, visitors will consider how the original functions of these materials are altered when used in Chow’s garments and sculptures. Associations with these materials add layers of meaning when connected to form garments. Chow, who has exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York, the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco and the Contemporary Arts Museum, Houston.

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