Generating Fashion: Abstraction of Form- Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Week two of our fashion degree led us to the West-Yorkshire countryside setting of Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Stretching across 500 acres of the Bretton Estate, Britain’s only open air gallery is host to the work of some of the most celebrated modern and contemporary artists of the 20^th century. Founded on the principle of promoting accessibility towards the public, YSP is different from most galleries that I have visited in that its main ethos is to encourage the visitors to interact with the art by being able to get up close, walk around and, dare I say it, even touch the art. That’s right. Visitors can actually move past the velvet rope boundaries and truly engage in the work and gain their own understanding and appreciation some of the most recognised examples of modern sculpture. Scattered around the breathtaking landscape, the sculptures create a dialogue between art and nature.

While at the gallery we were fortunate enough to be in time for the first major UK exhibition of the works of Spanish artist Juan Miró. Hailed as the ‘most important exhibition of Miró’s sculpture ever staged’, it was an opportunity not to be missed. Some of the exhibits were displayed in the underground gallery, whilst most of the key works were displayed outside amongst nature; in their rightful place. The exhibition allegedly consists of over 100 of the artist’s painted bronzes, related objects and drawings made in the late stages of his career.

Perhaps due to my unfamiliarity with Miró’s work, I thought it absurd that his bronze beasts received less acclaim than his paintings. I was immediately struck by the sheer scale of the sculptures.  Miró’s sculptures have multiple points of interest so that you really have to walk around the abstract forms to take in every detail; injecting an element of playfulness and surprise where all is not what it seems. Described by the artist as his ‘phantasmagorical world of living monsters’ it really felt as though the looming forms would leap into life at any moment.

Overall, my visit to Yorkshire Sculpture Park has inspired me to think about the human form from a more conceptual perspective.  Also, by being able to walk around the exhibits I see the importance of looking at shape as a three-dimensional entity with various facets and planes.

Despite the temperamental British weather, Yorkshire Sculpture Park was a delight and provided a gallery experience like no other.   

Generating Fashion: Find the City- Student Tribes

As an avid fan of street style blogs, I was simultaneously excited and a little terrified to learn that part 2 of our group induction week project was to scour the streets of Manchester for inspiration and ‘build a cultural measure’ of an area of our choosing. 

Excited; because I’ve often been caught out admiring an extraordinary pair of skyscraper heels or the cut of a blazer from afar and here was a chance to do so openly and unashamedly for the sake of my degree.

Anxious however, because admiring from afar is about as close as I have ever gotten to documenting street style. So now, the prospect of having to approach complete strangers only to compliment them on their outfit choices was going to be an altogether different and unnerving experience indeed!

The objective of this task was to take a set of street style photographs and categorise them into various style ‘Tribes’.  The backdrop to this exercise, Oxford Road, is at the very heart of the bustling Manchester student scene. The dynamic setting provided a striking visual contrast between the old and the new such as the looming gothic architecture that stands in opposition to the many examples of contemporary street art tucked away in quiet defiance.  

As a group, we chose to stick to the length of Oxford Road where we were in close proximity to both Manchester Metropolitan University and University of Manchester, giving us a chance to focus solely on the various aspects of student style.

After collation and thorough inspection of street style pictures taken by my group throughout the day, here is what I believe to be the three main ‘Student Tribes’ in the area.

Grunge Revival

This style tribe is instantly recognisable for its slouchy knitwear, check shirts and distressed denim. A revival of the grunge movement of the 90s, this tribe embraces comfort without compromise for style and exudes a carefree and rebellious attitude towards fashion.

Modern Classics

Perhaps my favourite style tribe, this group can be characterised by their polished ensembles of timeless classics such as blazers and button up shirts.

Eclectic High Street

Finally, this group of fashion conscious students can be characterised by their ability to cherry-pick from the major trends of the high street and concoct an overall look that makes the individual pieces the wearer’s own.

I must admit, I was very impressed with how the students that we saw were able to process major trends and tailor the pieces to suit their own aesthetic sensibilities. Many of the participants asked claimed that the outfit they wore has simply been ‘thrown on’, which in my opinion just goes to show how conscious we all are of fashion whether or not we realise it. Regardless, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from this exercise is that I definitely need to up my game when it comes to getting dressed in the morning!