Bra Appliqués
Various sizes, Fabric pen and paint on faux leather
$255. per Bra
How to be a “Dada Darling”: The future of NYC Parties and Gallery Receptions:
These intricate leather bras reflect my feelings of uncertainty during the time of quarantine. I spend a lot of time thinking about what will happen when we emerge from our lockdown…I expect there to be some social awkwardness as a result of so much social distancing. The very idea of going to a party seems surreal and absurd.
I began this lingerie series at the beginning of 2020 – the original incarnation were ink drawings on paper embellished with pink and gold pigments. In March I began creating brassiere appliqués: painting ornate designs directly onto vinyl and faux leather. I sewed my first brassiere appliqué to a black turtleneck sweater, which I had hoped to wear to the opening reception of the “Herstory” show at Viridian. Sadly, NYC lockdown began the day after we installed the show and the opening reception was cancelled.
The 15 bras that I have designed during quarantine are inspired by the Baroness Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven and her experimental style. For now the bras hang from clothespins in my studio as an installation piece. My hope is to have a post-apocalyptic Dada Bra party, some day when the lockdown ends and we can be light again.
Jenny Belin
May 2020