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NIAD Annex Gallery Exhibition // “The Way We Are, Now: NIAD Fashion Illustrations”
August 17 to September 20
Free
We are thrilled to present “The Way We Are, Now,” an exhibition of new designs from NIAD’s beloved Fashion Class.
“The love for fashion spreads, and now the whole studio is thriving off of it,” exhibition curator Shantanice Swain explains.
“For me, fashion is about what you’re comfortable with. It can shift, and it can be anything — clothes, earrings, shoes, drawings. It’s a bold and courageous way of saying, ‘I am who I am today.’”
Fashion has the power to affirm and transform: what we wear tells a story about who we are and who we might one day hope to become.
Over the past year, artists were encouraged to experiment with materials and draw inspiration from personal histories, pop culture, and future fantasies. Presented here is a selection of works on paper that showcase vibrant and innovative adornments.
Julio Del Rio’s meticulous line work carries over into his embroidery. He describes his drawings, “I drew those things that you put in your hair, headbands, and earrings. Then I finished sewing the clothes for the fashion show with all those colors too.”
Cosmic and floral motifs show up throughout Karen May‘s practice. She elaborates on her featured work on paper: “Kitty put some words on it, and there are some flowers hiding down there, too. And this here is the full moon I saw last night at home outside. I also saw a half moon and put a half of a quarter moon in there — that would be like a new moon in the sky.”
Join us for the Runway Event on September 14th to celebrate these stellar works and so much more!
The Way We Are, Now: NIAD Fashion Illustrations is on view in NIAD’s Annex Gallery through September 20, 2024
Artists Included in The Way We Are, Now: NIAD Fashion Illustrations
About the Organizer
Shantanice Swain grew up in the Bay Area native and has worked with NIAD for fourteen years.
Over the course of her time at NIAD she has developed a deep appreciation for each artist’s individual work style, and, drawing creative influence from the NIAD community, has become a multidisciplinary artist herself.
Shantanice is currently Studio Co-Director and Fashion Class Facilitator at NIAD.
Accessibility at NIAD
There are no stairs to enter the NIAD building. The building is one level and does not have automatic doors. The sidewalk has curb cut-outs and is wide enough for a wheelchair. Our restrooms are accessible to people using mobility devices. We have a gender neutral restroom and an adult changing station. Mask-wearing is strongly encouraged. Send your access requests to gallery@niadart.org.