August 2022 at EMMA, Espoo
Founded in 2002, Espoo Museum of Modern Art, abbreviated as EMMA, fosters various creativity and boundary pushing in art and design. Designed by Aarno Ruusuvuori (1925–92), EMMA building is a classic sample of 1960s concrete brutalism and has been acting an iconic local landmark of Tapiola, Espoo.
The panoramic windows connect the interiors to the woodlands, an enduring source of inspiration for both various artists and visitors. From October 2021 to November 2022, Osaka born artist CHIHARU SHIOTA 塩田千春 (1972-) is drawn into the unique expansive exhibition space of EMMA: without obstructing walls, as the ceiling is suspended from eight massive columns, that was originally designed to accommodate massive printing presses, is ideal environment for SHIOTA’s Tracing Boundaries Installation Exhibition 2021-22.
CHIHARU SHIOTA has been working with threads since studying painting, but soon finding the canvas and paper creation with its limitation; therefore, SHIOTA developed her inimitable weaving technique, which she began applying in larger spatial installations. Gradually the artist began embedding found objects steeped in her personal dreams, which transcend the private level and acquires wider universal significance. SHIOTA has been striving to engage the viewer in a process of rekindling feelings and memories that might not be accessible on a conscious level.
At second level of EMMA, CHIHARU SHIOTA creates an immersive crimson installation, consisting of tautly crisscrossing wool and cotton materials. Visitors are invited to enter the maze of yarn, which encloses a sequence of vintage doors that open alternative routes through the thousand threads of work.
Walking into the labyrinth of bloody sky, my feeling was devoured into a bloodline of certain being’s organ. SHIOTA’s Tracing Boundaries Exhibition evokes me more of a 1970s slash horror, or a vampire Victorian tale rather than a romantic personal memory.
The outfits of the day at EMMA aim at comfy but sensuality. AMERICAN APPAREL 92% cotton and 8% sleeveless pure black bodysuit provides slim fit silhouette. Originally based in Los Angeles, California by Canadian businessman Dov Charney in 1989, it had been listed one of my favourite fashion houses due to its simple cut, with high quality but decent value, regardless of their sexual conductive marketing campaign, until the sexual sandals, labour conflicts and bankruptcy news released in 2015-16, therefore I ceased to support the house for a while.
Since Canadian Gildan Activewear Inc. purchased intellectual property of American Apparel and doubtless that Cnarney is absent from the founder position, again I return for the good bargain and fine quality. Unfortunately the chance to visit and shop at American Apparel around the globe has become an ever after mission impossible.
Made in Italy, D.EXTERIOR has become yet another my constant shopping favourite. With 98% cotton and 2% of elastan, cropped shape jeans offers more of a boyfriend-fit style, not only easy for American Apparel bodysuit to tuck in, but also creates a comfortable cozy yet simply sensual museum tour à la mode.
As for accessories, DIOR Oblique Mitzah scarf in 100% silk purchased from ZORLU CENTRE in Istanbul serves the most multipurpose final touch of the outfits, crafted in navy blue and distinguished by an elongated shape with pointed ends, further embellished with a CHRISTIAN DIOR signature jacquard band on the back, highlights the House of Dior iconic motif dating back to 1967, a timeless design lends to any look, from worn around as headband, waist belt or wrap around on le sac.
MIUMIU round-frame glittered acetate sunglasses own the gradient and greyish lenses, which make my vision comfortable during the museum tour; they are also handy to tuck up, for the instant hairband to style the hairdo. CHANEL Rouge Allure liquid Powder #956 Invincible retains the classic red, which is giving the lips and cheeks an instant sexy touch, echoes the bloody paradise of CHIHARU SHIOTA.
CHANEL 100% cotton sling backs in lambskin inner sole with its softly rising 2,5cm heels provide a comfortable angle for the foot on the walk. With supple lambskin and breathable satin materials weaving in between, the pair with dark navy blue tone mixes with sky blue D.EXTERIOR cropped jeans in perfect tone, together with Chanel Sac de Silver Seaside Villa from 2019 Cruise Collection, owns the rather nay blue in lambskin, representing the deep blue seawater of Côte d’Azur, the mesh silver stripes and metallic lock contrast the concept of the CHIHARU SHIOTA Exhibition at EMMA: crimson red and pure white.
Special Thanks: Wendy