Renowned Belgian fashion designer Martin Margiela has reemerged, this time using art as his medium. The designer is set to present his first collection of work at Lafayette Anticipations during the International Contemporary Art Fair, or FAIC, in Paris next month.
13 years ago, Margiela left his eponymous avant-garde fashion house, citing frustration with the overloaded fashion system. Bothered by the number of collections produced each year, Margiela shifted his gaze towards other artistic mediums. He has now announced his readiness to debut his artwork and has signed a representation deal with Antwerp-based gallery Zeno X.
Zeno X Gallery is very pleased to announce the representation of Belgian artist Martin Margiela. Ever since he left the fashion world in 2009, he has devoted himself exclusively to the visual arts.#martinmargiela #margiela #zenoxgallery #zenox pic.twitter.com/e2KDdRV7zS
— Zeno X Gallery (@ZenoXgallery) September 30, 2021
“Very early in my life I became obsessed with fashion and developed my own vision by presenting it in the most conceptual way possible,” Margiela told Artnet News. “After many years, the human body as my only medium felt too narrow and the system became suffocating. I needed a wider spectrum with total freedom in creative expression, and rediscovered my roots as a young boy in art school, enjoying pure creation without boundaries.”
The International Contemporary Art Fair begins October 20. Additionally, Zeno X will present three sculptural pieces from Margiela, ranging in price from €10,000 EUR (about $11,500 USD) and €60,000 EUR (about $69,500 USD).
In related news, José Parlá released a limited screenprint dedicated to the many artists who shaped him.
