Gerzanics, Louise (AUS)
Apeiron
Based in Queensland, Louise works predominantly with trash, waste products, single use items and discarded objects.
Louise finds there is a limitless supply of materials available to be reimagined and repurposed into something extraordinary.
Through her art, these materials are transformed. Her work is characterised by a high level of detail, intricate and precise design, layers of textures and repetition, and a high fashion feel.
Louise wanted Apeiron to be a dress that appeared to have stepped off a fashion runway; couture, bespoke, intriguing. The piece would have a fashion presence - flattering and beautiful. She wanted it to hold its own on the catwalk and be a standalone beautiful garment.
When examined closely, the details would become apparent. Not only the details in the design and construction, but the materials used. What could originally be perceived as tulle, lace, ribbon or fabric, is realised to be paper.
“I dipped into my pile of dead stock tracing paper; gifted to me many years ago by a local leadlight business that was closing down. Drawn to its sheen and translucence, ability to shape, fold, ruffle, I just knew that it was the perfect material…
I instantly thought of Elizabethan and renaissance periods. Of collars and cuffs and fancy folds. Of Iris Van Herpen in the spring of 2011. Of my teen years living in Japan. Of my childhood, crowded around the kitchen table as Mum brought a Streets Viennetta with its intricate delicious ruffled ice cream to the table.
When formed on the wire, the paper can give the illusion of an infinite symbol, figure eight, when viewed from certain angles. You can see through to the under dress. A mono-chrome palette, restrained material selection, and play with light and movement. From other angles you view the end of the fold, the repeated pattern of the loop of the translucent paper. Whether the garment is moving and the viewer is static, or vice versa, there will be interest and curiosity created by the play on angles, layers, and light. The piece was many hundreds of hours in construction.”
Materials: Tracing paper and florist wire
See the Work on Film
Photos Credit: Grant Wells Photo