Hussein Chalayan

 “Afterword’s” is a very innovative concept as it takes functionalism to another level. The idea is not exactly practical but Hussein uses fashion as his form of communication, as a surface for exploring and challenging new futuristic notions “Chalayan challenges preconceived notions of what clothing can mean, rather than as garments with only functionality in mind.” (arttattler.com).

                                           "Afterwords" (2000)

  “Burka” sends a serious message about identity and femininity. Chalayan showed women wearing burkas with nothing on underneath some of the women were completely naked with just a mask. The way he has presented his work suggests how covering a women’s entire body takes away her identity and how they become almost clone like when you can see nothing but the eyes. The sexuality of a woman is reduced when you cannot see the face even if she is completely naked. The face is the part of the body which attracts and draws the attention.

                                           "Burka" (1996)

Both works are very strong and present completely different concepts. “Aferword’s” is about innovation and progressing into the future whereas “Burka” is very much about now and about an issue that is relevant  today, it carries a very sensitive yet provocative message

 “Afterwords” and “Burka” are both fashion AND art. Fashion is one of the most powerful forms of art as everyone can relate to it in some way, almost everyone in the world wears clothes. Fashion/ clothing is such a strong canvas for artists as it is for people to physically wear on their bodies. We use fashion to express ourselves, our emotions, our thoughts, our religion, so how could fashion not be a strong form of innovation and progression? It is used to communicate the future yet it is more interesting than say an architectural model or object as it is personal to us and we acknowledge it so closely. Both art and fashion are forms of expression, but can be presented in completely different ways.
 

Fashion can be defined as a conventional usage in dress, manners, etc… to accommodate; adjust; adapt (dictionary.com). Fashion is a form of progress, what is fashionable one year may not be the year after. Fashion “adjusts” and “adapts” to the season but is constantly changing. Some say fashion comes in cycles for example leather and tie- dye has all come back over the last few years. But although these styles have been repeated they have been enhanced and modernised to suit this day.

Chalayan’s strong links to industry, like with the pieces “the level tunnel” and “repose” which were commissioned by level vodka and Swarovski would probably impact on the nature of his work in a positive way as it shows his versatility and how broad his knowledge and innovative skills extend.

                                           "The Level Tunnel" (2006)

"Repose" (2006)

Does the meaning of art change when it is used to sell products? Is it still art?

I think sometimes it can. In this case, with Chalayan teaming up with Level Vodka, his installation is definitely still seen as art because of who it was created by. If this installation was made by a less well- known artist then it may not be acknowledged as much as it should be as the attention will be more on Level Vodka. Using art to sell products can be good for both parties as it is good advertising for the artist and it can take the company’s product to a new level and make more appealing for a wider audience.


When and why is it important that the artist personally made the piece?
When an artist doesn’t make their work personally it may be because for that particular piece the craftsmanship is not as important as the idea behind it. The work may hold more value in the exploration and reason so the artist would have put all his effort into coming up with the idea and then just gets someone to create it. It is important for the artist to make their work when the focus is on the object or piece itself, When the technique and process is relevant.

 References:

http://arttattler.com/designhusseinchalayan.html

http://www.ecue.com/references/themed-entertainment/level-tunnel.html

http://www.designboom.com/weblog/read.php?CATEGORY_PK=&TOPIC_PK=2858