The highly anticipated exhibition, “Lee Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse,” has finally opened at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in the Resnick Pavilion. This is a significant event as it marks the first McQueen exhibition on the West Coast of the United States, taking place eleven years after the last showcase at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
“Mind, Mythos, Muse” offers visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the brilliant mind and artistic journey of Alexander McQueen. The exhibition features nearly 200 objects that are intricately connected with LACMA’s own collection, including paintings, sculptures, prints, costumes, textiles, and photographs that served as sources of inspiration for the renowned designer. Drawing inspiration from the successful “Yves Saint Laurent aux musées” exhibition in Paris, the curatorial principles employed in this exhibition truly bring out the essence of McQueen’s work.
One notable highlight of the exhibition is a significant contribution from Los Angeles-based collector Regina J. Drucker. Through her generous gift, LACMA’s collection of works by McQueen has been greatly enriched, cementing its status as the largest collection held by a public institution in North America. This addition enhances the grandeur of the exhibition and provides visitors with a comprehensive look at McQueen’s vast body of work.
To enhance the visitor experience, the exhibition is divided into four thematic sections: Mythos, Fashioned Narratives, Technique and Innovation, and Evolution and Existence. Each section beautifully showcases rare treasures from McQueen’s collections, allowing visitors to witness the designer’s evolution and the stories behind his iconic pieces. One particularly striking piece is a womenswear ensemble with a ruff and gold beading from the “The Widows of Culloden” collection, Fall-Winter 2006-2007. This stunning creation bears resemblances to Frans Pourbus II’s “Portrait of Louis XIII, King of France as a boy” (1616), with its lace collar and metallic-thread embroidery.
Additionally, the exhibition features another remarkable ensemble from the “The Dance of the Twisted Bull” collection, Spring-Summer 2002. Interestingly, this display is placed opposite the work of Francisco Goya, an 18th-century Spanish artist, evoking the themes of Spanish flamenco and the Spanish bullfight. Furthermore, visitors can also admire the dress from the Scanners collection, Fall-Winter 2003-2004, presented alongside a 17th-century Tibetan trunk that served as an inspiration for McQueen.
The significance of this exhibition extends beyond its geographical location. It not only marks the first McQueen show on the West Coast, but it also presents objects that directly link McQueen’s work to specific moments in art history. Clarissa M. Esguerra, the associate curator of Costume and Textiles at LACMA, emphasizes this essential aspect, stating, “This is not only the first McQueen show on the West Coast but also the first to display objects that link his work to specific moments in art history from which he drew inspiration.”
Fans and fashion enthusiasts have until October 9 to explore the world of McQueen at LACMA. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the genius and legacy of one of fashion’s most iconic designers.
Useful links:
– Official exhibition website
– Vogue article about the exhibition
