ARTIST STATEMENT

Transformation starts when there is a complete or major change in someone or something. This is the case when everyday objects and materials are used to create wearable art pieces. There is a game that kids play where they turn simple toilet paper into lavish dresses and gowns. The toilet paper is similar to a fine cotton fabric which can be bent and shaped into a skirt or folded into a belt. Such resourcefulness and childish way of comparison is the dynamic portrayed in a variety of wearable art forms. There is a focus on the material – how it moves and creates texture and shape, but also a strong personal need to reconnect to the inner child, to finally allow these childish delusions to come to life.

As a current project, the Modern Nomad exhibition represents a 27 year long personal journey that is divided into four stages, the first being a stage of neutrality, the second of chaos and doubt, the third of self-acceptance and finally of celebration. These stages are integrated through the several layers of transparency of the materials used, where the more opaque layers hint on a state of cover up, a chameleon constantly fitting in, and the more explicitly transparent layers a non-apologetic way of self-expression. The pockets and bags incorporated in the collection shows the need to preserve our memories by carrying special items and trinkets that we have collected and cherished, a sort of instinct, much like nomads carrying only the necessary items to survive.

BIOGRAPHY

Chris Kardevall (born 27 October 1989) is a Swedish-Filipino Fashion Artist. He recently graduated from his Fine Arts studies at Academie Minerva in Groningen, Netherlands. Since 2015, he has been dealing with the transformation of everyday objects and, very often, of himself inspired by forms of expressions such as drag and fashion.

In April 2015, he collaborated with a fellow fine art student and introduced Fine Art Fashion Show in Groningen. The pieces that were showcased were all created using unconventional material, from synthetic hair, plaster, wire and thousands of puzzle pieces.

In June 2017, he showcased his first solo exhibition titled Modern Nomad which explored the transparency of the materials used, where the more opaque layers hint on a state of cover up, a chameleon constantly fitting in, and the more explicitly transparent layers a non-apologetic way of self-expression.