Art
Stephane Koerwyn Whose Aluminum Designs Are Pieces of Art
During the runway show an exquisite ballet dancer/model performed who took our breath away. Goran Subotic is somebody to watch.
Simon Antoine, General Manager of Sofitel New York, hosted a unique fashion show and exhibition titled: When Art Becomes Fashion: From Canvas to the Runway by Stephane Koerwyn. Showcasing a number of Koerwyn’s one-of-a-kind dresses and canvas paintings, the exhibit’s setting in Sofitel New York reflects a perfect symbiosis—an exhibition that exudes French elegance and art de vivre displayed in a hotel that celebrates French art and culture in every aspect of the guest experience. Further elevating the experience for art aficionados will be a chance to watch Koerwyn paint live in the lobby for two hours a day, from September 9-12.
Following Koerwyn’s shows across the globe, from Paris and Tokyo to Dubai and Singapore, his latest collection of aluminum dresses and paintings launched during the first day of fashion Week, September 5th at Sofitel New York. While the Sofitel exhibit is Koerwyn’s first in New York, it marks the French artist’s triumphant return to the city that launched his artistic journey. A trip to the Big Apple to pursue his passion led him to Central Park, where he spent a day immersed in painting. By day’s end, he was drawing the attention of passersby eager to purchase his works. Koerwyn returned to Paris with new resolve to make his passion his profession.
The designer’s New York debut and spectacular fashion show took place under the patronage of The Consul General of France, Anne-Claire Legendre.
The Consul General of France, Anne-Claire Legendre, Nzingha, Stephane Koerwyn
After 20 years’ experience in senior marketing positions at multinational corporations, Stephane Koerwyn re-examined his purpose in life and sought to reconnect with making art.
He decided to try something totally different, and enrolled in painting classes at les Beaux Arts of Paris and the Louvre museum school.
Now a versatile artist, he is both a painter and a sculptor. Having found his artistic voice, Koerwyn now pushes the barriers of the conventional art world, leaving the security of canvas to paint on aluminum sheeting, his brush strokes playing masterfully on the reflective surface. Koerwyn then transforms the finished paintings into timeless and modern art dresses that symbolize the union of art and fashion. The detail and play of light in these works call for the mindful attention of viewers, inviting them to shift their visual perspective and indulge in a reflective exchange with the paintings.
His paintings present as ephemeral expressions in an abstract style which reach beyond the realm of the material. His works question the notion of image, its effects and its evocative power.
He draws his inspiration from deep within, translated into color, each piece a unique achievement, a journey into the imagination. Yet in the very elaboration of his art, a creation is born and takes on meaning. Delving into the structure of matter, as the origin of all things, spontaneity of impulse are key to his work.
The creative process involves gestural repetition that is either superimposed or juxtaposed. These are frequently similar but can also be involuntarily different. The pictorial strata record the variety of gestures, the materiality of the painting, the tools, the canvas.
The piece of art thus becomes the domain of the unexpected. He aims to stimulate the senses of his audience, inviting a reflective exchange. This encourages the viewer to shift their visual perspective to communicate with these paintings.
They do not deliver a single still image, but call for mindful attention, encouraging the viewer to show curiosity for detail and the play of light.
In 2019, he exhibited at the International Monetary Fund in Washington DC.
Koerwyn also uses intuitive painting techniques in children’s hospital to share his passion.
In 2019, he exhibited at the International Monetary Fund in Washington DC.
His fashion as you can see are truly works of art.
Sofitel New York guests can unleash their own inner artist with a private, half-day painting workshop for two with Koerwyn—the highlight of a once-in-a-lifetime Art Becomes Fashion Package. The package includes a two-night stay for two people in one of Sofitel’s terrace suites, breakfast, a dinner with Koerwyn, and a painting session on the terrace of the suite overlooking the New York City skyline. Koerwyn will guide each guest through his process of painting on aluminum and will transform the two completed works into one mini dress that will be theirs to keep. The package is available for booking through October 31 and rates starts at $5,000 based on availability.
Art
Ahead of the Broadway Opening of Lempicka The Longacre Theatre Is Showcasing Art Work By Tamara de Lempicka
The Longacre Theatre (220 W 48th St.), soon-to-be home of the sweeping new musical, Lempicka, is showcasing a curated selection of renowned artist Tamara de Lempicka’s most famous works. Eschewing traditional theatrical front-of-house advertising, the Longacre’s façade now boasts prints, creating a museum-quality exhibition right in the heart of Times Square. The musical opens on Broadway on April 14, 2024 at the same venue.
The Longacre’s outdoor exhibition includes works of Self Portrait (Tamara in a Green Bugatti) (1929), Young Girl in Green (1927), Nu Adossé I (1925), The Red Tunic (1927), The Blue Scarf (1930), The Green Turban (1930), Portrait of Marjorie Ferry (1932), Portrait of Ira P. (1930), Portrait of Romana de la Salle (1928), and Adam and Eve (1932).
Starring Eden Espinosa and directed by Tony Award winner Rachel Chavkin, Lempicka features book, lyrics, and original concept by Carson Kreitzer, book and music by Matt Gould, and choreography by Raja Feather Kelly.
Spanning decades of political and personal turmoil and told through a thrilling, pop-infused score, Lempicka boldly explores the contradictions of a world in crisis, a woman ahead of her era, and an artist whose time has finally come.