Themes/Form: Jamie Hawkesworth and JW Anderson shape the human figure
Insights editor Kirsty introduces the theme behind Jamie Hawkesworth and JW Anderson's collaboration, The Thinleys and its connection to the Disobedient Bodies exhibition.
Video picks: JW Anderson’s Disobedient Bodies exhibition
- Written byKirsty Gentle
- Published date 14 March 2018
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| Photograph: The Hepworth Wakefield
Fashion designer JW Anderson is a collector – over the last decade he’s sought out things that intrigue him from across the world of fashion, art and design. These form part of his ‘research lab’ and act as points of inspiration.
‘The Disobedient Bodies’ show at The Hepworth Wakefield gave JW Anderson the chance to bring together this personal collection with key pieces from the gallery’s collection. Central to the whole exhibition is the way art and fashion depict the human form and ideas of gender and identity.
Disobedient Bodies: JW Anderson
Video: 'Disobedient Bodies:JW Anderson Curates The Hepworth Wakefield’, video courtesy of The Hepworth Wakefield.
Want to see more?
The collaborators talk further about the ideas behind the exhibition
Watch Matches Fashion’s take on the exhibition for more visuals from the show
Find out more about the exhibition on Dezeen
Look out for upcoming shows at The Hepworth Wakefield, winner of the Art Fund’s prestigious award: Museum of the Year 2017
‘Disobedient Bodies’ exhibition was a collaboration between JW Anderson and Chief Curator, Andrew Bonacina as well as 6a architects who talk about the project in this video. The show includes sculpture by artists including Jean Arp, Naum Gabo, Alberto Giacometti and Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore and Sarah Lucas as well as fashion pieces by Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier and Issey Miyake.
In the videos you’ll discover how The Hepworth Wakefield’s collection of early sculptures by Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore inspired the name of the show through their figurative and abstract forms.
6a architects also suggest another reason for the title of the show related to how the exhibition has been curated and designed. By working together, the collaborators could create an exhibition that broke free from the traditions of how you might normally curate (select and present) art in a gallery setting.
Jonathan wanted to create a show that was about the audience being able to look at two objects side by side and what kind of emotional reaction (and potential inspiration) you get by observing objects, or images in this way. It gives you an insight into Jonathan’s creative process and how different influences can shape new ideas in a fashion designer’s mind.
6a architects and the Chief Curator created a series of rooms where visitors could really get up close to the work on show. For example, knitwear from JW Anderson’s AW16 collection featuring extended arms was reproduced for an overhead installation with longer more exaggerated arms. You could touch and experiment with the shape and form of this object, an experience you don’t usually get when seeing high profile work in shows.
‘Disobedient Bodies’ is the first in a series of shows at The Hepworth Wakefield that will see key figures from creative fields outside the visual arts come and curate exhibitions. It’s a great concept and we’re excited to see what comes next.
