Flockage : the flock
phenomenon
An
exhibition and symposium that explore the unique qualities of flock.
15 January – 2 June 2008 (free entry: Tues-Sun)
Supported by The Textile Society
This unique
exhibition and accompanying symposium aim to make significant and original contribution
to the established body of knowledge related to flock. The exhibition will showcase flock’s use and status within art,
design and culture through a rich and colourful array of historical and
contemporary examples brought together for the first time.
‘Flocking or fibre
coating is the process of enhancing the quality of a wide range of surfaces by
application of fibres and adhesives’
(http://www.flocking.org/what.htm).
rationale
This exhibition aims
to bring together for the first time a plethora of diverse flock examples – to
unite art, design, industry and popular cultural in a cross-disciplinary
extravaganza. The exhibition will be designed to create a dynamic, colourful
and sensory experience so that visitors may enjoy the exquisite tactile and
visual qualities of flock. The exhibition aims to encourage audience
participation through the opportunities
for visitors to touch flock examples, to add and record their personal
responses to and memories of flock.
Venue
The
venue for the exhibition is the
aim:
to consider flock the
process and the material, through historical & and contemporary examples
to present a
critical consideration of the qualities of flock-notably to consider how the feel
and look of flock is used to maximise the appeal
and use (form and function) of
objects.
to
showcase a myriad of design examples that illustrate how flock exists within a
variety of contexts including: fashion, interior design, printed ephemera and
publishing.
to
explore how flock exists within contemporary culture through the integration of
examples and perspectives from across key disciplines/sectors – art, design,
education, industry..
to
provide a consideration of varying/opposing perspectives regarding how flock is
used and viewed – to explore the tensions that exist in relation to how flock
is regarded – classic and kitsch.
to create unique interactive opportunities to enable wide
and diverse audiences to access key information and to experience diverse
examples of flock items united for the first time within a dynamic arena.
Nodding-head flock
lobster. c.2005
audience
The exhibition aims to attract a variety of audiences including:
general public; schools, colleges and universities; textile researchers;
designers; design historians; museum studies students/staff; collectors. The symposium aims to attract key
audiences: fashion, textile and design students, researchers designers and
academic staff; design historians; members of The Textile Society; school
teachers and museum staff. Invitations will be sent to key academic courses and
relevant museum and collections organisations internationally. To support the
academic integrity of the exhibition an educational
pack will be designed specifically
for schools and it is intended that a catalogue and subsequent publication
will also come forth from the exhibition. It is proposed that the exhibition
will tour nationally.
themes:
The
exhibition will address core themes: Definition of flocking; Process of
flocking; Historical context; Design and flock; Fashion - for example a catwalk
of flock fashions will parade historical and contemporary examples; Interior
design; Publishing; Kitsch and flock; Seasonal flock; Perspectives and
Prejudices; Sources and Resources.
Glencraft
Wallpapers,
Collaboration
The
exhibition will also include a wide range of exhibits on loan from national
museums and collections and company archives. The curators are committed to the
creation of wider collaborative opportunities the exhibition and symposium
offer. Therefore the exhibition will include newly commissioned flock design
flock by key artists and textile and designers. The symposium will include
keynote speakers.
Christina
Re Stationery,
Publicity
An article on the
exhibition and symposium is to be published in Text, The Textile Society’s 25th Anniversary edition of
its Journal in Autumn 2007. Further articles/press releases are proposed for
publication in a variety of key international design, textile and interior
decoration magazines. The exhibition and symposium is to be promoted through posters
and leaflets; publicity via local & national press/radio/television.
The curators
Kirsten Hardie and
Pam Langdown have significant experience in research, design and exhibition work.
They have co-organised a variety of key design exhibitions and have been
successful in securing major funding awards. Both curators share a passion for
flock and have specific interests in mass produced design and popular taste.