Beads and sequins...
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 35-70mm.
I'm not really a big fashionista. I say 'not really' but the truth is, I'm not at all. I'm the wrong shape and height to wear most fashion items well. That and my general 'tromping about' style, carting around a bag full of cameras and film, wearing my shoes down, wondering where I can find something nice to eat after rushing about only just managing not to be late to everywhere I go (sometimes at least).
Cool, calm, poised, big clothes budget, delicate heels & high class handbag dangling from the crook of my elbow; eschewing food and on the rare occasion that it is eaten, it is done so delicately without EVER dropping crumbs or sandwich insides over clothing.
Nope! You've probably guessed it, that's just not me. :)
So I found myself in this exhibition having just been put off by the enormous queue into the Picasso exhibition and having decided I'd go there early on a weekday instead, (when it would be much quieter). This was nearby, it was free, and I'm supposed to be absorbing as much of the culture here as possible. So here I was.
I'm a bit lost about the point of it all really. I'm stunned that a woman has primarily been defined here by her wardrobe and the fact that she was married to a wealthy business man, and by the end of this exhibition, that is all that I know about her. Having never heard her name before, I find that disappointing. Apart from wearing nice clothes and being perceived as having style and dignity in keeping with her social position. (That imperative in itself drives me nuts!) Who was Maria Brillas? What else was she interested in (other than looking nice in public)? What did she DO?
I think I've slam dunked myself into 'another generation of women who had to appear a certain way to be accepted into their social class'. It's become clear that Maria Brillas achieved this spectacularly. I hope though, that for Catalan women, and ALL women, that we at some point liberate ourselves of this nonsense! Not much has changed I guess. :(
Those broader misgivings aside, I could appreciate the fabrics, the design skill, and the way in which the 'wardrobe' was displayed, and I'm glad I went.
The exhibition runs until 28th August 2011. Free Entry.
Beads and sequins...
Nikon D700 + Nikkor 35-70mm.
I'm not really a big fashionista. I say 'not really' but the truth is, I'm not at all. I'm the wrong shape and height to wear most fashion items well. That and my general 'tromping about' style, carting around a bag full of cameras and film, wearing my shoes down, wondering where I can find something nice to eat after rushing about only just managing not to be late to everywhere I go (sometimes at least).
Cool, calm, poised, big clothes budget, delicate heels & high class handbag dangling from the crook of my elbow; eschewing food and on the rare occasion that it is eaten, it is done so delicately without EVER dropping crumbs or sandwich insides over clothing.
Nope! You've probably guessed it, that's just not me. :)
So I found myself in this exhibition having just been put off by the enormous queue into the Picasso exhibition and having decided I'd go there early on a weekday instead, (when it would be much quieter). This was nearby, it was free, and I'm supposed to be absorbing as much of the culture here as possible. So here I was.
I'm a bit lost about the point of it all really. I'm stunned that a woman has primarily been defined here by her wardrobe and the fact that she was married to a wealthy business man, and by the end of this exhibition, that is all that I know about her. Having never heard her name before, I find that disappointing. Apart from wearing nice clothes and being perceived as having style and dignity in keeping with her social position. (That imperative in itself drives me nuts!) Who was Maria Brillas? What else was she interested in (other than looking nice in public)? What did she DO?
I think I've slam dunked myself into 'another generation of women who had to appear a certain way to be accepted into their social class'. It's become clear that Maria Brillas achieved this spectacularly. I hope though, that for Catalan women, and ALL women, that we at some point liberate ourselves of this nonsense! Not much has changed I guess. :(
Those broader misgivings aside, I could appreciate the fabrics, the design skill, and the way in which the 'wardrobe' was displayed, and I'm glad I went.
The exhibition runs until 28th August 2011. Free Entry.