Katie Pye: Clothes for Modern Lovers, charts the innovative work of Australian fashion artist Katie Pye from 1977 through to 1990.
Opening on 26 May 2007 and showing until 13 January 2008, Katie Pye: Clothes for Modern Lovers explores Pye’s individual, experimental and highly unorthodox work.
Straddling the boundaries between art and fashion, Pye was part of a new generation of artists and designers working in Australian fashion during the 1980s.
The exhibition showcases approximately 30 garments alongside contextual photography and video works.
Illustrative of Pye’s ever-evolving design practice, the show will include important early works, avant-garde explorations of form and innovative fabric treatments, rule-breaking art-wear and key examples from her commercial ranges.
Danielle Whitfield, Acting Curator, Australian Fashion and Textiles, NGV, describes Pye’s work during this period as challenging the conventional limitations of fashionable dress.
“Influenced by punk subcultures, with an interest in creating original designs and fabrics, Pye made clothing ‘statements’, producing work that was original, theatrical and which often included some kind of social commentary,” Ms Whitfield said.
“She integrated performance, art and fashion into her work and was part of an exciting, energetic current that introduced new visions and ideas to Australian dress.”
Pye opened her first fashion boutique, Duzzn't Madder, in Sydney 1976. In 1977 she went on to stage a performance art piece titled Reflections of Narcissism at the Paris Theatre in Sydney. During this time Pye also designed costumes for multi-media and stage events and created outfits for her art school colleagues, such as the Kabuki dress worn by artist Susan Norrie.
In 1979 she formed the Katie Pye Studio with George Nezovic and began creating collections that included bold, asymmetrical, loose fitting forms that revealed her interest in Japanese design. Each collection was titled and launched at different locations including film studios and galleries.
Critical recognition for Pye came in the eighties: she opened a new shop and gallery space called Hieroglyphics; was included in the influential Art Clothes exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW (1980); and in 1984 won the New Wave Award at the Australian Fashion Industries National Awards.
While continuing to show collections under her own label throughout the eighties, Pye designed costumes for film and music video clips for Australian bands Jimmy and the Boys, Rose Tattoo, Pseudo Echo, Real Life and New Zealand band Mi-Sex.
Photography was also central to Pye’s practice and acted as a vehicle to express the ideas behind her designs. During this period she collaborated with many photographers including John Lethbridge and Peter McLean.
NGV Deputy Director, Australian Art, Frances Lindsay said the Katie Pye: Clothes for Modern Lovers will be an exciting visual journey through eighties fashion.
“We are delighted to be able to focus on Katie Pye’s contribution to fashion, art and design for local and visiting audiences to enjoy.”
Katie Pye: Clothes for Modern Lovers is on display in the Myer Fashion and Textiles Gallery at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia from 26 May 2007 – 13 January 2008. The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Federation Square is open daily, 10am – 5pm, closed Mondays.
Image Credits:
Main Image - Katie Pye, fashion artist. Born Australia 1952. Kabuki c. 1980. Model: Susan Norrie. Collection of National Gallery of Victoria. Photographer: John Lethbridge. Image courtesy of Katie Pye.
Article Image - Katie Pye Studio, Sydney fashion house. 1978-80. Designer: Katie Pye. Born Australia 1952. Whark wear 1980. National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Gift of the artist, 2006.
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