The Denver Art Museum has a long history of celebrating fashion, from Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective to Dior: From Paris to the World and now Paris to Hollywood: The Fashion and Influence of Véronique and Gregory Peck! Once again, we’re inspired and excited to share some ways you may find fashion relevant to your life.
Visual patterns appear in every aspect of our lives—from the architecture around us to the natural world. Sometimes artists and designers are inspired by existing patterns or create their own to add visual interest to their work. We encourage you to keep an eye out for patterns around you and explore creating your own unique patterns through these activities.
Looking Together
This dress from the Paris to Hollywood: The Fashion and Influence of Véronique and Gregory Peck exhibition reminds us of the unique quilts in the DAM collection, like Crazy Quilt. Crazy quilting is actually a term often used to refer to textile work of chaotic patchwork.
Compare and contrast these two crazy quilts.
- What are some similarities?
- What are some differences?
- What are these quilts made out of?
- Why do think types of patterns are called crazy?
Jane Mathews, DAM Crazy (Locos por el DAM), 2006, colcha de papel, 47 1/2 x 59 pulg., Colección Neusteter Textile Collection: Helen Strange Patterson Memorial Fund y fondos mediante intercambio de Katherine Hicks
Creating Together
Fashion sometimes utilizes bold and unique prints made from repeating patterns and designs. Check out some of the fashionable outfits that are part of the DAM’s online collection and look for eye catching patterns.
Next, it’s your turn to create a pattern using collage inspired by Jane Mathew’s collaged artwork called DAM Crazy. Follow along with this artmaking activity to explore layering pattern making using tissue paper and other scraps.
Another method to experiment with pattern making is by creating your own stamps. Practice repetition in this art exploration by using various textures and ink or paint to create patterns on paper.
Related Creativity Resources
Thinking About Design
The Art of the Samurai
Suit of Armor and Helmet is a unique object in our collection that looks functional but was actually made in admiration of Samurai’s of the past. Take a closer look at how this suit of armor balances delicate details and symbols of fierceness and consider what faithfulness, loyalty, and dedication might have meant in 18th century Japan.
From Art to Money and Everything in Between
Stepping Back in Time
Explore artworks from the museum’s collection by Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot, Paul Cézanne, Édouard Manet, Willard Leroy Metcalf, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Childe Hassam, and others that tell a story about a complex time in Europe and America.
Adventure through the Pink Universe
Guide your students and/or children through the Pink Universe with fun activities inspired by Simphiwe Ndzube: Oracles of the Pink Universe. Activities include an artmaking project and a book recommendation.
Putting It Together
Collaborative artmaking has the power to bond people, cultures, and community. With the opening of the Each/Other exhibition, take a closer look at two of Marie Watts' artworks and discover how they are a gateway to collaboration, sharing, and creativity.
