Boudicca's designers talk at Beit Ha'ir

Boudicca: Artists?

A day after the exhibit opening, Brian Kirkby and Zowie Broach returned to Beit Ha'ir to talk all things BOUDICCA.

What struck me the most [enough to be at the beginning of the post] was that when asked whether they consider their work as "art" they protested profusely. I wonder, what makes a mere person an artist? Can you proclaim yourself as one? Are you an artist if others say you are? And more importantly, are Zowie and Brian artists after all? Read what they had to say, and decide: 

Call a rose any other name…

Boudicca was the queen on the British tribe, who leaded a revolt against the ruling Roman Empire in AD 60. She was considered divine and portrayed as a goddess. When considering her as the brand's symbol, Brian related to the mythical aspect of the story and to its local history. Zowie saw the modern woman in Boudicca – the independent leader. As their designs explore the duality of masculine and feminine, Boudicca was chosen to reign on yet another kingdom.

Sell! Buy! Sell!

Z&B [ladies first] address the commerce in the fashion industry with refreshing honesty. They admit that there are limitations, technical and commercial, that contrast with art making. In order to sell designs, Z&B say, a designer has to be aware of the confines and keep them in mind. Things like fabric qualities, intended usage, and selling potential, all dictate the finished product. When creating a couture show, though, Z&B reveal that there is a greater artistic freedom in the process. Since the actual garments are not meant to be worn, they can be created of various materials, and thus, be loyal to the concept. 

Zowie Broach & Brian Kirkby at Beit Ha'Ir. Photo by Juliette Gold

One plus one equals...?

When two designers work on a single brand, they are bound to be challenges. Zowie tells us that they are different people, and they have separate sketchbooks and diverse ideas. They separate the work, and then mix it back together, discuss, and look where their suggestions collide. Or, as Brian puts it, they challenge and push each other.

If they say, you are no good…

Z&B both agree that one cannot escape criticism in the creative world. Zowie advices to look for the building feedback, try to learn from what others have to say, even in a mere conversation. 

Zowie Broach & Brian Kirkby at Beit Ha'Ir. Photo by Juliette Gold

What the future holds …

The future is unclear for Z&B. Zowie says she feels unsure, not in a nervous way though, about the future. She is open to see what will happen. Z&B will continue to put work out, and they will see where they want to go. 

Zowie Broach & Brian Kirkby at Beit Ha'Ir. Photo by Juliette Gold

And finally, a word of advice for the young generation:

Zowie Broach & Brian Kirkby at Beit Ha'Ir. Photo by Juliette Gold

Is fashion art? Do you think Z&B are artists?

Boudicca: Isolated moments from a cycle

I absolutely adore getting conceptual! Reveling in a concept's meanings and connotations makes me feel oh-so-very-artsy-and-wise. Thus, how could I deny us all the pleasure of discussing Beit Ha'Ir's latest exposition:

"Isolated Moments From a Cycle" by BOUDICCA (Brian Kirkby & Zowie Broach)

The exhibition itself is an isolated moment in the designer's cycle of creation: one idea led to another, and in the process, the collection was born; but a moment later, another idea would rise, an alteration to the previous one, perhaps, and the cycle would continue. 

The display is an isolated moment is the cycle of Beit Ha'Ir's "Year Of Fashion": Many exhibits were shown there before, and many more would be shown in the future.

The act of going to the exhibition at Beit Ha'ir is an isolated moment is the urban life at Tel Aviv: Situated at the Bialik Square [which is also round, by the way], Beit Ha'ir witnesses numerous passersby. One stops, goes in and looks around and then returns to the routine.

And finally, the designs shown, are isolated moments in a design cycle the the designers utilized for this exhibition: Brian Kirkby and Zowie Broach created digital fundamental sketches, and then continues designing, sketching, and photographing until they've reached the finished products - only the clothes are not actually finished. They can be developed further, using the same process.

The photos I took at the opening event are an isolated moment is the cycle of my camera's memory card's life ... that's enough? Alright, I'll stop.

Boudicca at Beir Ha'Ir Tel Aviv, photo by Juliette Gold

Boudicca at Beir Ha'Ir Tel Aviv, photo by Juliette Gold

Boudicca at Beir Ha'Ir Tel Aviv, photo by Juliette Gold

Boudicca at Beir Ha'Ir Tel Aviv, photo by Juliette Gold

Boudicca at Beir Ha'Ir Tel Aviv, photo by Juliette Gold

Boudicca at Beir Ha'Ir Tel Aviv, photo by Juliette Gold

Boudicca at Beir Ha'Ir Tel Aviv, photo by Juliette Gold

The Brazilian shoe designer, Andreia Chaves, also brought her works to that exhibition. My friend, Karina, took some photos of them for you:

Andreia Chaves at Beit Ha'Ir, photo by Karina

Andreia Chaves at Beit Ha'Ir, photo by Karina

Andreia Chaves at Beit Ha'Ir, photo by Karina

Andreia Chaves at Beit Ha'Ir, photo by Karina

I left the openning event with a lot of "wow" moments to remember, but there are always favorites:

Favorite #1 [the order is arbitrary]: Delicate Details

The dresses were beautifully designed and had such delicate, fregile-looking detiles. 

Boudicca at Beir Ha'Ir Tel Aviv, photo by Juliette Gold

Boudicca at Beir Ha'Ir Tel Aviv, photo by Juliette Gold

Favorite #2 [the order remains arbitrary]: Balerina Art

This circle was drawn by a belarina dancing on the paper. It left me breathless! [only for a while though; nothing personal - I just don't have insurance] 

Boudicca at Beir Ha'Ir Tel Aviv, photo by Juliette Gold

Boudicca at Beir Ha'Ir Tel Aviv, photo by Juliette Gold [from a broadcasted video; I'm not that good of a photographer] 

Which exhibit did you like the most?