Gucci is Speaking Spring
Gucci, the Italian maker of luxury fashion and leather goods, isn’t just a high-end clothier. They’re delving, once again, into the world of fine art. A new exhibit, hosted currently at the Gucci Museo, reconnoiters the essence and meaning of flowers. “The Language of Flowers” features such accomplished artists as Latifa Echakhch of Morocco, American Irving Penn, painter Marlene Dumas of South Africa, and French photographer Valérie Belin. Generally the Gucci Museo, based in Florence, home of the luxury line, displays classic Gucci styles of clothing, handbags and accessories for guests to enjoy. This particular exhibit honors the original and iconic Flora motif of the brand, designed by Gucci for Princess Grace of Monaco in 1966.
This particular exhibition is part of of the Pinault Collection, a large private compilation of works owned by François Pinault. Pinault is an art enthusiast and the driving force behind PPR and the Pinault Group (which owns the Gucci group). In 2005 he acquired the Palazzo Grassi in Venice, and has been presenting parts of his grand collection ever since. “The Language of Flowers” marks the seventh showcase of the Pinault Collection and is being curated by the director of Palazzo Grassi – Punta della Dogana, Martin Bethenod.
“The Language of Flowers” collection is composed of works of art inspired by floral blooms, including paintings, photographs, and sculptures, and communicate various themes like memory, personal identity, politics, and vanity. “Einder” (2007-2008) a painting by Marlene Dumas is featured in “The Language of Flowers”. The painting portrays the flower arrangement that was placed on her mother’s coffin. Valérie Belin has two works, hybrid pieces, that blend floral motifs and female portraits: “Calendula (Marigold)” and “Phlox New Hybrid (with Dahlia Redskin)” (2010).
“Fantome” (2012), a sculpture by Latifa Echakhch is made up of jasmine flower necklaces. Her work was inspired by a memory of a street seller in Lebanon. While visiting, she witnessed the man store the necklaces under his shirt to save the sweet smell and freshness. There are deep political themes to this work. Photographer Irvin Penn is featured with two diptychs. They both are images of a single flower, one in color and the other monochromatic. You can catch “Cottage Tulip, Sorbet New York” (1967) and “Single Oriental Poppy” (1968), plus many more at the “The Language of Flowers”.
“The Language of Flowers” will remain at the Gucci Museo until September 20, 2015. Gucci Museo is located at Piazza della Signoria 10, Florence, Italy. Visit the Gucci Museo website for more on the exhibit or past collections. You can also call (+39 055 7592 3302). You can also visit the Gucci website for the latest in fashion. HG Issue covers this story here. What do you think of the exhibition? Are you a fan of the fine arts? Or just a fan of Gucci apparel? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section.
Photo Credits: hgissue.com, vouge.com, gucci.com, wardrobetrendsfashion.com
Would you visit the Gucci Museo? How would you rate "The Language of Flowers"?