Power of Making: Exhibition at the V&A

A giant silver-backed gorilla stands sentry inside the lobby of the V&A museum, temporary home to the recently announced Power of Making exhibition. On closer examination, the fur of the chest-beating gorilla is made entirely of steel coat-hangers, a second in a series of metal primates by Scottish sculptor David Mach. The exhibition exposes the aesthetics of quality engineering and design, highlighting the integral connection between fine art and the process of creating it.

The Power of Making acknowledges the challenge of innovative design and production, focusing on a wide range of industries including fashion. The collection features a selection of couture garments that explore the use of different composites, materials and structures, playing host to Susie McMurray’s now infamous porcupine Widow dress. The potentially deadly design is constructed of 43 kg adamantine dress maker’s pins that puncture a leather ball gown, mimicking a tinsel-like texture that is sharp to the touch. The late Alexander McQueen’s Armadillo Shoes also feature, highlighting the importance of collaboration between skilled makers and designers to produce structurally-complex pieces such as these impossibly high platforms. The design was inspired by the ballet shoes of a point ballerina and have been worn by the likes of Daphne Guinness and Lady Gaga.

Death is heavily referenced, showcasing four alternative fully-functional coffins, ranging from eco-friendly wicker versions to opulently carved, lion-shaped Sarcophagi. The latter is Ghanaian Lion, a colossal lacquered coffin by Ghana-born artist Paa Joe, whose reincarnation coffins have been displayed in art galleries across the world. Burial designs commissioned by clients to spend their afterlife encased in include a squid, a cigar, a plane and an eagle. Housed within a museum synonymous with quality design and manufacturing, the Power of Making is a captivating visit for engineers and art-buffs alike.

Curated by Daniel Charny, the exhibition will run from now until January 2nd 2012 in the Porter Gallery at The V&A Museum. Admission is free.

words Abi Grogan

Tags:

You May Also Like

Tavarataivas (My Stuff) – Filmmaker strips himself of all belongings

Ahead of the theatrical release of Tavarataivas (My Stuff) FLUX Magazine caught up with ...

Interview with Emma Jane Unsworth author of ‘Animals’

“This is what a feminist looks like” – it may be embroiled in a ...

Future Fossils: Krister Klassman’s haunting show

There’s a haunting quality to Krister Klassman’s exhibition at Cole Gallery which is at ...

white cube hong kong

White Cube Hong Kong launches with Gilbert and George

The growing internationalisation of art and the arts industry takes another stride forward with ...

Unlock Art Film Series – Actress Tamsin Greg on Duchamp, Magritte and Gilbert & George.

The Art word can seem a bewildering place to many. Wherever you’re inside it ...