Jonathan Anderson, the renowned designer behind JW Anderson and Loewe, is set to showcase his curation skills with a new art dialogue exhibition titled “On Foot.” The exhibition will take place at Mayfair gallery Offer Waterman and is scheduled to open on September 18, coinciding with the Frieze Art Fair 2023.
Offer Waterman, a well-established gallery and art dealer located in a Georgian townhouse, will serve as the backdrop for Anderson’s exhibition. The event will bring together contemporary artists and iconic works of modern British art, including Anderson’s own fashion designs for JW Anderson and Loewe. Anderson envisions the exhibition as an opportunity for visitors to fully immerse themselves in the artworks and experience them as both viewers and bystanders.
The exhibition will center around recent fashion seasons and explore the transformation of the body through sculptural designs. Drawing inspiration from the city of London, the exhibition will unfold like a walk-through, capturing the contrasting elements and surprising juxtapositions found in the city. Anderson plans to juxtapose the elegant streets of Mayfair with the intriguing alleys of Soho, where the JW Anderson store is situated.
The lineup of artists featured in “On Foot” is extensive and diverse, including prominent names like Igshaan Adams, Frank Auerbach, Lucian Freud, David Hockney, and Barbara Hepworth, among others. The exhibition aims to celebrate all aspects of the city, from its lively pubs to tranquil parks. Corridors and staircases will be transformed into bustling streets and pavements, with ceramic and sculptures depicting crowded scenes. Additionally, JW Anderson’s iconic pigeons will occupy a storeroom and a garden square bench.
As a special collaboration for the exhibition, Anthea Hamilton has worked with JW Anderson to create a limited-edition version of the iconic pigeon clutch. This exclusive piece will be showcased at Offer Waterman and the JW Anderson Soho store.
“On Foot” follows Anderson’s previous experience as a curator with “Disobedient Bodies” at the Hayward Gallery. The exhibition brought together sculptures by renowned artists like Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, and Louise Bourgeois, along with works from fashion designers like Jean-Paul Gaultier, Helmut Lang, and Rei Kawakubo. With “On Foot,” Anderson continues his exploration of the intersection between art and fashion, fostering a unique dialogue between the two disciplines.
Jonathan Anderson’s venture into curating highlights his ability to transcend fashion and extend his creative vision. “On Foot” promises to deliver a captivating and thought-provoking experience, inviting visitors to reconsider the relationship between contemporary art and iconic British works.
**Useful Links:**
1. Offer Waterman
2. Frieze Art Fair 2023
