WAKING up this week with visions of comedian Te Radar, in a bizarre bra, singing and prancing to Copacabana means you’ve probably seen the 2010 Montana World of WearableArt Awards Show.
The 2010 event was unveiled on Wednesday night, the first of a series of 11 shows over 11 days showcasing art designed for the moving body.
Over two hours, 191 entrants competing for 35 prizes and a cast and crew of over 400 staged a spectacular launch for this year’s awards, the winners of which will be announced on Friday.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: 'Breathing', by Ru Xiang & Tang Wenjie of China, in the Air New Zealand open section
It includes what seemed like an endless stream of dancers and acrobats providing their own form of body art, and a theatrical show of music, dance, drama and comedy.
One of the highlights of the show was the CentrePort Wellington Illumination Illusion Section ‘Float, Fly, Flow’.
It is best described as a visual wonderland using the illusion of UV light, with entries appearing to float, fly or flow above the stage.
Last year’s runner up in the section, Sue Cederman, Motueka, returns with a garment titled Autumn Wind, inspired by autumn leaves swirling about in the air.
The Tourism New Zealand Avant Garde Section themed ‘Inspired by the Circus’ entertains with a French twist of clowns, dancers and the odd dog dressed as an elephant.
Although one in three designers are from overseas, the show definitely still has a New Zealand flavour, with an array of Maori dance and music throughout the opening segments.
International designers from 25 countries submitted entries for selection, including those from Germany, Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Mexico, Netherlands, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, and USA.
WOW founder Suzie Moncrieff says the event encourages experimentation of materials and techniques giving artists and designers the opportunity to explore concepts and designs that are not driven by commercialism.
The shows run until October 3.
Among public displays and activities to mark the event, WOW designers will compete against the clock to design a wearable artwork in the foyer at Te Papa. on Sunday October 3, 2-4pm.
