Lecture Series | Guo Pei: Fashion & Influence — Lecture #2 From China to Aotearoa

10.30—11.30am

event Details

Immerse yourself in the exquisite world of haute couture and the creative genius of Guo Pei in this lecture series. Embark on a captivating journey through the world of fashion with four experts as they discuss the intersection of fashion, art and culture, discovering valuable insights into haute couture and the cultural narratives that have shaped Guo Pei’s artistic vision and unique creations.

Tickets are sold to each lecture individually so pick your favourite or come to all.

Lecture #2: From China to Aotearoa

Jane Groufsky, Sat 20 Apr 10.30—11.30am

The garments in Guo Pei: Fashion, Art, Fantasy 郭培 ：时装之幻梦 are part of a craft history that New Zealand makers have also drawn upon. Guo Pei’s designs are a rich tapestry of her influences, drawn from the motifs of her heritage and the handcraft traditions of China. Taking Guo Pei’s work as a starting point, this lecture will delve into how her materials and forms connect to art, history and fashion here in Aotearoa, from blue willow china's presence in colonial New Zealand society to the importance of mother of pearl shell in Pacific adornment.

Image credits: Guo Pei, One Thousand and Two Nights, 2019. © Guo Pei. Courtesy of Guo Pei. | Jane Groufsky, photo, Shaun Higgins, 2022.

Date
Location
Auditorium, Lower Ground
Cost
Members $15, Non-Members $18 (+ fees)
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Jane Groufsky is Curator Social History at Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira and the co-curator of Tāmaki Herenga Waka: Stories of Auckland, a major new permanent exhibition of the people and stories of Auckland at the museum. The museum’s social history collection focuses on the social, cultural and environmental history of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Jane’s current focus is on expanding the collections to reflect contemporary Auckland urban issues such as housing, transport, migration, and environmental concerns. 

<p>Lecture #1: Chairman Mao and Chinese Fashion</p> <p>Paul Clark, Tue 5 Mar 6&ndash;7pm</p> <p>Chinese fashion underwent a revolution in the 20th century, from the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1911 to the times of Chairman Mao Zedong. From the 1920s to 1940s, clothing styles associated with scholars and Western-style schools became standardised.&nbsp;In cosmopolitan Shanghai, women&rsquo;s clothing took on a stylish new look associated with modernity and glamour, as exemplified by&nbsp;Chinese film stars.&nbsp;Fashion developments did not end after the founding of the People&rsquo;s Republic in 1949. The notion that everyone from 1949 to 1978 was in so-called Mao suits and genderless clothing is a myth; dresses, skirts, and stylish touches remained a way for women to quietly express themselves. When Pierre Cardin arrived in China in 1979, there was much to inspire him.</p> <p><a href="https://www.aucklandartgallery.com/whats-on/event/lecture-series-or-guo-pei-fashion-and-influence-lecture-1-chairman-mao-and-chinese-fashion">LEARN MORE</a></p>

Lecture #1: Chairman Mao and Chinese Fashion

Paul Clark, Tue 5 Mar 6–7pm

Chinese fashion underwent a revolution in the 20th century, from the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1911 to the times of Chairman Mao Zedong. From the 1920s to 1940s, clothing styles associated with scholars and Western-style schools became standardised. In cosmopolitan Shanghai, women’s clothing took on a stylish new look associated with modernity and glamour, as exemplified by Chinese film stars. Fashion developments did not end after the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949. The notion that everyone from 1949 to 1978 was in so-called Mao suits and genderless clothing is a myth; dresses, skirts, and stylish touches remained a way for women to quietly express themselves. When Pierre Cardin arrived in China in 1979, there was much to inspire him.

LEARN MORE