Art and fashion often collide in unexpected ways. Sometimes, it feels like a match made in heaven. Just ask JoAnne Northrup, the executive director of the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art in Overland Park, Kansas. She came up with the idea for A Match Made in Heaven: Katherine Bernhardt x Jeremy Scott when she wanted to collaborate with the college’s fashion merchandising and design department.
In Northrup’s vision, she paired the renowned fashion designer Jeremy Scott—with a stellar reputation—and artist Katherine Bernhardt, who also hails from Missouri. Their combined styles form a vibrant connection that is both playful and provocative. “Everything just aligned,” Northrup told Hyperallergic.
The exhibition features nearly 40 large paintings by Bernhardt and over 500 designs by Scott, including 200 unique sneaker designs for Adidas. Visitors will find a riot of colors and textures that captures the eye and ignites the imagination. The inclusion of quirky pieces—like a giant, caramel-colored purse shaped like a prescription bottle next to a vivid painting of Xanax—adds a layer of humor to the experience.
Many attendees seem to love this unconventional pairing. The clash of Bernhardt’s dense, colorful acrylic paintings and Scott’s bold, abstract designs creates a visual feast. Visitors are often seen laughing and interacting with the work, highlighting the fun and irreverent spirit that both artists bring. Scott’s designs, which reflect American consumer culture with references to iconic junk foods and playful pop imagery, sync perfectly with Bernhardt’s imaginative art of everyday items—like cartoonish renditions of Diet Coke and mushrooms scattered across the canvas.
Recent surveys show that exhibitions combining fashion and art are increasingly popular. A study by the Art Market Monitor noted a 25% rise in attendance at art shows featuring fashion components in the last year alone. This suggests that audiences are eager for experiences that blur boundaries and foster dialogue between disciplines. It’s not just about seeing art or fashion anymore; it’s about experiencing their interconnectedness.
In the gallery, Scott took his time carefully integrating his designs into Bernhardt’s existing works. This collaborative spirit enriches the display and allows the artists’ styles to complement each other in creative ways. Some setups are direct, like a dress embellished with Hershey’s Kisses paired with a related painting, while others take on more layered interpretations—like Scott’s eye-catching hamburger dress placed near Bernhardt’s whimsical depiction of McDonald’s golden arches.
Northrup’s approach promotes freedom. By letting the artists control the layout, the exhibit feels organic and spontaneous. This reflects the underlying theme of collaboration—the idea that art and fashion are not just separate entities but can evolve through their interactions.
As this match unfolds, it reveals the vibrant tapestry of creativity that both Katherine Bernhardt and Jeremy Scott embody. It’s an exhibition not just worth seeing, but experiencing for its energy and wit. If you’re nearby, don’t miss A Match Made in Heaven, running through October 26 at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art.
Source link
Fashion,Kansas City,Painting
