The National Gallery of Victoria’s exhibition The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier was farewelled yesterday with final attendances reaching 226,918.
The exhibition, which featured over 140 garments from Gaultier’s first dress created in 1971 to his most recent haute couture collections, was accompanied by a series of free public programs, education schools visits, the inaugural Art Party for teenagers and several sold out Friday Night series events featuring national and international music performers.
Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley, said, ‘This incredible exhibition captured the imagination of people of all ages. Congratulations to the NGV not only for the exhibition, but for the innovative program of events surrounding it which engaged a wide audience with NGV and provided an insight into the mind of this design icon. This Australian exclusive exhibition brought local, national and international crowds and is yet another example of Victoria’s creative leadership.’
Tony Ellwood, Director, NGV, said, ‘We are deeply grateful to Jean Paul Gaultier and thank him for his involvement in the creation of a successful exhibition in Melbourne. The National Gallery of Victoria has been honoured to showcase the highly creative work one of the world’s most visionary designers, who throughout his career has continued to challenge societal norms and produce influential work that extends beyond the catwalk into art, music and film.’
The National Gallery of Victoria presented a number of major initiatives including a sold-out In Conversation event with Jean Paul Gaultier and curator Thierry-Maxime Loriot, pop-up talks from industry experts, drop-by drawing with Melbourne-based fashion designers, extended hours events on the final weekend and the continuation of the Friday Nights series with performances by major national and international artists, including JD Samson, Chicks on Speed, Frikstailers, Saskwatch and Kate Miller-Heidke.
The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier was organised by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in collaboration with Maison Jean Paul Gaultier in association with the National Gallery of Victoria.
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