London is currently hosting the first major exhibition of New Delhi-born designer Ashish Gupta’s work at The William Morris Gallery. Curated by Roisin Inglesby and Joe Scotland, the retrospective showcases 60 designs and will be on display until September. The exhibition, entitled ‘Ashish: Fall in Love and Be More Tender’, offers a deep exploration of Gupta’s signature style and features iconic pieces like the ‘Immigrant’ t-shirt.
Sponsored by the Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch Foundation, the exhibition aims to challenge societal norms and provoke thought about cultural identities and fashion choices. Gupta’s designs reflect his fascination with how societies construct cultural identities and how these identities are expressed through clothing. By pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion, both in terms of style and cultural representation, Gupta’s designs provoke a rethinking of mainstream fashion.
In addition to the garments showcased, the exhibition also includes a series of images and films that were shot on location in India and London. Ashish Shah, a Mumbai-based photographer and filmmaker, was commissioned to capture the essence of Gupta’s work and explore the cultural relationships between India and the West through his garments. This project was made possible with the support of the Art Fund, highlighting the global significance of Gupta’s designs.
The William Morris Gallery, named after the renowned 19th-century textile designer and artist, is an ideal venue for Gupta’s exhibition. The gallery’s focus on traditional crafts and artisanship complements Gupta’s celebration of South Asian crafts through his subversive and playful designs. The gallery recognizes the importance of handcrafted skills and techniques, which align with both William Morris and Ashish Gupta’s work.
Gupta’s design studio is located in East London, while his garments are manufactured in his workshop in Delhi. With a background in fine art and fashion design, Gupta launched his eponymous brand in 2001. Since then, he has gained recognition for his bold and vibrant designs, which have been worn by celebrities such as M.I.A. and Madonna.
The ‘Ashish: Fall in Love and Be More Tender’ exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore Ashish Gupta’s creative world and delve into the intersections of fashion, culture, and identity. Through his thought-provoking designs and carefully crafted garments, Gupta encourages viewers to challenge existing norms and embrace a more inclusive and tender vision of fashion. This exhibition is a must-see for fashion enthusiasts and anyone interested in the transformative power of clothing in shaping our individual and collective identities.
Useful links:
– The William Morris Gallery
– The Art Fund
