Hikaru Kodama symbolically murders childhood innocence by taking the life of teddy bears, and he is but one of many designers participating in Japan's Zensutmei exhibition.
The title Zensutmei loosely translates into "death," which is in direct reference to the cycle of death and rebirth that occurs within the fashion industry. Curators Mikio Sakabe and Yoshikazu Yamagata attempt to "kill" off the rigors of commercialism in order to let creativity and expression thrive, unchecked and abundant, within each installation.
Each designer (some of them students) involved in the conceptual art show was challenged to rebel against the status quo, creating art and fashion that expresses something raw and visceral and meaningful to them, their worldview and their aesthetic.
Morbid Fashion Exhibitions
The Zetsumei Exhibition Comments on Creative Death and Resurrection
Trend Themes
1. Conceptual Fashion Rebellion - Exploring the potential of art and fashion to challenge and break away from the norms of commercialism, allowing for raw and visceral expression.
2. Death and Rebirth in Fashion - Embracing the cycle of death and rebirth as a source of inspiration for the fashion industry, encouraging creativity and renewal.
3. Expressive Fashion Installations - Creating immersive and meaningful experiences through the integration of fashion, art, and conceptual design.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Design - Opportunity for designers to push boundaries and explore new avenues of creativity by rebelling against commercialism.
2. Art Exhibitions - Creating installations and exhibitions that blur the lines between fashion and art, providing a platform for raw and visceral expression.
3. Conceptual Design - Exploring the intersection of art, fashion, and conceptual design to challenge conventional ideas and inspire innovative approaches.