Layers of soft purple ostrich feathers, luscious folds of pink fabric, red sequins and fringe are paired with "silk graffiti" in this year's Focus on Alumni exhibition at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
This year’s exhibition pairs the work of fashion designer Julie DuRocher ’84 of Jovani, New York, and Philadelphia street artist Aubrie Costello ’07.
Gabrielle Lavin Suzenski, Rochelle F. Levy Director of The Galleries at Moore, said the alumni exhibition is on view at this time every year, with rotating themes representing the various majors at Moore.
"This exhibition is interesting because we are juxtaposing the work of a fine artist who traditionally installs outdoors with a pretty refined fashion designer," she said. "It's a nice contrast of two very different artistic fields that represent the breadth of Moore's talent." On view are five gowns by DuRocher featuring long trains of ostrich feathers, intricate beading and shimmering fabrics. Costello's artworks, large flags made of dupioni silk with phrases sewn into them, hang on the wall behind the dresses.
These women were selected by fellow alums who are members of the Alumni Visual Arts Committee, along with the guidance of The Galleries director, to have their work juxtaposed in Moore’s two gallery spaces at the Kimmel, where they will be seen by thousands of concert goers over the coming months. The exhibition has been endowed by a private sponsor for a decade.
Focus on Alumni is on view at the Kimmel, 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, through Saturday, February 9.
