cubism

Have you heard of an artist named Paul Klee? No? Don’t worry, I didn’t either until I went to his museum last year in Bern, Switzerland. And I thank God for the opportunity to have witnessed such colourful and whimsical paintings from such an amazing modern artist. As you can see, I have dedicated this fashion blog to him, simply because his colour schemes and fun shapes have inspired many designers in their latest collections and looking at his paintings will bring a smile upon your face.

I took this photo on the bus, the red sign is from one of Paul Klee’s paintings.

I took photos of these Klee paintings whilst at the Kuntzmuseum. Yes, I am very naughty…

Paul Klee (18 December 1879 – 29 June 1940) was a Swiss painter of German nationality. His highly individual style was influenced by movements in art that included expressionism (expressing the meaning of ‘being alive’ and emotional experience rather than physical reality;  e.g. Sidney Nolan, John Perceval, Gustave De Smet), cubism (where objects are broken up, analyzed, and re-assembled in an abstracted form, think Pablo Picasso), and surrealism (it features the element of surprise, unexpected juxtapositions and non sequitur, look up Andre Breton). He was, as well, a student of orientalism (depiction of Eastern cultures by Western artists). Klee was a natural draftsman who experimented with and eventually mastered COLOUR THEORY, and wrote extensively about it. His works reflect his dry humor and his sometimes child-like perspective, his personal moods and beliefs, and his musicality. His pictures are difficult to classify and no one can really pigeon-hole his paintings into a certain category, I guess that is why they are so appealing. Klee is unique and it is no wonder fashion designers look to him for inspiration!

Here is my favourite dress by 3.1 Phillip Lim (my favourite designer, 31 is the age when he started his world-class label). This ‘pixelated’ tunic dress should have a place in an art gallery or at least be worn to an exhibition. The beads are hand-sewn and I’ve never seen a dress like this!

This is Paul Keel’s Tunisia Gardens. Cubism is very obvious in this painting.  Even if I do not ‘understand’ this artwork, it certainly cheers me up just staring a it.

Below is a gorgeous Emanuel Ungaro taffeta silk miniskirt. I love the ruched folds and the asymmetry. It is essentially a sophisticated and beautifully tailored pencil mini. Just add some dainty heels and do not save it for night! Throw on a cami and look sweet and demure.

“Art does not reproduce the visible; rather, it makes visible.” — Paul Klee

I love Klee’s’ City of Colours’, it would be an amazing piece to have on my wall at home. But so would this adorable kaleidoscopic See by Chloe silk minidress. No accessories required, just throw on some gold T-bar sandals and you’re off to a fabulous holiday! Be warned, you will get mixed stares- some from art lovers, some from fashion-dont-get-it’s, and some from bees. It’s so sweet and  summery I would hang it on my wall as a painting when I’m not wearing it.

Oh no! Someone beat me to it!!

Thumbs up to her for keeping accessories to a minimum (I cannot believe she even stole my advice on wearing gold sandals. I guess great minds really do think alike…) Great smile,  I would be grinning too if I was out and about in this frock.