Fashion designer, fiber artist combines both for Kent State University Museum exhibit

by April Helms | Special Products Editor

Fashion meets art in "Beyond Fashion: Fiber and Fashion Art by Vincent Quevado," which can be seen through Feb. 12, 2012 at the Kent State University Museum.

Quevado, an associate professor at the fashion school, said these were pieces created over several years.

"I tend to defy current aesthetic values related to fashion while creating art," he said. "An important ingredient in my work is the relationship between the body and the material while exploring the space created between the two. This compilation is a response to questions that are not answers, but just another way of asking questions the way I would ask."

The exhibit features work from Quevedo's past collections. Although many are wearable, many pieces transcend fashion into art.

One thing about many of the fashion art pieces on display is that the materials were generally inexpensive, Quevado said. For example, several of the fabrics he purchased at a local retail. Another garment was made of napkins. Another was made of paper, nylon and polyester.

Complementing the exhibit are several wall hangings, digitally printed, then quilted. Also, how the pieces were created vary. Some were stitched, some were put together with hot glue, some used a combination of different techniques.

"Vince's work goes beyond fashion and explores conceptual art that uses fashion shapes and techniques as media," stated Museum Director Jean Druesedow in a media release. "He manipulates textiles and techniques in ways that stretch the boundaries of both."

The Kent State University Museum, at 515 Hilltop Drive at the Kent State University campus, is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4:45 p.m.

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