Event: “Fashioning Kimono: Art Deco and Modernism in Japan”
Location: Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art
Exhibition Dates: March 8-May 17, 2009 (visited March 8, 2009)
Admission: FREE

PR Details: (from Harn Website)
“The Samuel P. Harn Memorial Exhibition Fashioning Kimono: Art Deco and Modernism in Japan celebrates Japanese kimono created during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, one of the most dynamic periods in the history of Japan’s national costume. The exhibition of approximately 100 kimono includes formal, semiformal and casual kimono and haori jackets. Many of these garments reflect historical continuity of designs and techniques, while others exhibit a dramatic shift from kimono tradition.

The exhibition begins by focusing on the early 20th century, the final era of the “living” kimono, that is, when the kimono still remained the dress of choice for the majority of people in Japan. It continues through the 1940s, when Western clothes replaced the kimono for everyday wear and the garment assumed a largely formal and ceremonial meaning.

The outstanding kimono featured in the exhibition were drawn from the internationally renowned Montgomery Collection of Lugano, Switzerland. This exhibition is organized and circulated by Art Services International, Alexandria, Virginia. Fashioning Kimono is made possible locally by the AEC Trust.”

Review: The exhibition itself was simple and neatly organized. A gal pal of mine is interning at the museum, so she assisted in the assembly of the displays. The kimono selected were in remarkable condition. I was very pleased to see a wide range of vintage kimono, not only in design but textile,  pattern, and era. The literature on the exhibit was nearly organized and provided simple explanations of the garments presented. If I can make it up to Gainesville before the private collection leaves the museum, I would like to review the exhibit again without rushing through.

Lecture: Guest lecturer, Annie M. Van Assche, presented a lecture about kimono based upon her non-fiction book (see below) on the subject. Though the guest raised several interesting historical points, I found her information about current fashion trends in Japan misleading and outdated. I almost felt guilty for whispering with my friend throughout the presentation, but it was either that or walk out entirely. According to the author she last lived in Japan in 1996, so she has not kept up too much with current trends in

kimono, especially with those of women in the 18-34 year range. There is a resurgence of popularity in wearing kimono, and though its not back en vouge, it is not limited purely to the “crazy, goth kids who hangout in Harajuku on Sundays.”

Book Details: Fashioning Kimono: Dress and Modernity in Early Twentieth-Century Japan ($44.10)

Related Events:
March 29, 2009 Lecture (@ 3 p.m.)
Guest: Melissa Rinne, Assistant Curator of Japanese Art, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco
Topic: "Textile Tradition and Innovation: Producing Kimono in Early 20th Century Japan"
Learn about the significant role of the seasons in the structure of kimono. Rinne will explore the details of seasonal kimono, focusing on summer kimono in particular.

May 03, 2009 Gallery Talk (@ 3 p.m.)
Guest: Jason Steuber, Cofrin Curator of Asian Art
Topic: Join Cofrin Curator of Asian Art Jason Steuber as he discusses the kimono on display in Fashioning Kimono: Art Deco and Modernism in Japan