The Brooklyn Museum in New York is set to honor the late Virgil Abloh, an iconic American designer, with an upcoming exhibition titled “Virgil Abloh: Figures of Speech”. This announcement comes just weeks after Abloh’s final collection for Louis Vuitton was presented, making it a timely tribute to the influential designer. Taking place from July 1, 2022, to January 29, 2023, this will be the first retrospective exhibition dedicated to Abloh since his untimely passing at the age of 41.
The exhibition, curated by Michael Darling and Antwaun Sargent, will mirror the 2019 exhibition of the same name at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Abloh’s hometown. It will showcase two decades’ worth of Abloh’s work, offering visitors a comprehensive look into his career. Attendees will be able to admire the iconic creations designed for Abloh’s label, Off-White, as well as the groundbreaking designs he crafted for Louis Vuitton’s men’s collections during his tenure as artistic director.
Beyond fashion, the exhibition will also shed light on Abloh’s diverse artistic expressions, featuring sculptures, sketches, archival pieces, and videos. Known for his multidisciplinary approach, Abloh’s passion for architecture, music, and floral art will be evident throughout the exhibition. This display of his work will underscore his profound impact on contemporary fashion and his instrumental role in popularizing streetwear on the runway.
Further demonstrating Abloh’s influence, Sotheby’s auction house is currently hosting an auction of limited-edition “Air Force 1” sneakers. These sneakers, designed by Abloh in collaboration with Louis Vuitton and Nike, have exceeded all expectations in terms of bids and will conclude on February 9th.
The exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum presents a remarkable opportunity for fashion enthusiasts and art lovers alike to immerse themselves in the visionary work of Virgil Abloh. It pays homage to his creative genius and enduring legacy, which continues to inspire and shape the world of contemporary fashion and design.
Useful links:
1. Brooklyn Museum – Virgil Abloh: Figures of Speech
2. Sotheby’s Auction – Virgil Abloh x Louis Vuitton “Air Force 1” sneakers
