London-based artist Seana Gavin’s collages are out of this world, in more ways than one. Stunning and striking her surreal pictures feature fantasy and escapism, taking you to far away planets, dream worlds and on hedonistic trips.
London-based artist Seana Gavin’s collages are out of this world, in more ways than one. Stunning and striking her surreal pictures feature fantasy and escapism, taking you to far away planets, dream worlds and on hedonistic trips. For her latest series, created exclusively for AnOther, Gavin has incorporated Burberry Prorsum’s A/W11 accessories collection straight off the London fashion week catwalk into her signature collage style. Whilst Christopher Bailey’s Jean Shrimpton inspired collection was streamed live to over 150 countries and at 40 live events, with the chance to shop the collection immediately online (for one week only), Gavin transported next season’s key accessory pieces to far-out and futuristic places. Featured in Gavin’s series of collages are a pair of Burberry Prorsum’s A/W11 black leather rubber sole wedge monk shoes; an orange luggage inspired grainy leather bowling bag; and several check cross and black alligator trimmed long bowling bags with oversized tassels. Here we speak to Gavin about her inspirations behind the collages and her very unique approach to each accessory.
What were your initial thoughts and inspirations behind this series of collages?
My first thought was I needed to try to get away from any branding or pre-conceived ideas that the brand conjured up, as I didn't want any limitations. Then I visualised the objects in different fantasy environments that reflected their physical forms.
How did you approach the creation of these Burberry accessory collages?
The objects inspired images in my mind. Then the rest was an intuitive process. Primarily I created the landscapes then placed the items in their new ‘home’.
You have created three very different and unique worlds in each piece, was it the individual accessories that informed these or something else?
Yes, the accessories did give me the initial inspiration.
Briefly describe what your intentions were behind each piece?
My focus was more on the object rather than the person who may be wearing or carrying them. I treated the objects almost like characters with different personas. Playing with what the items provoked as shapes. I wanted to create a home, a place they communicated to me, where they wanted to live.
You work mainly in collage – what is the best thing about this medium?
I like the physicality of the paper. I enjoy recycling imagery and giving it new meaning. Collage gives me the ability to experiment with different elements and compositions to see what works.
How challenging did you find basing your collage work around these accessories?
I didn't struggle too much with this. As my work often has a fantasy and surreal theme, I often change the scale of things and put objects out of context. So I wasn't concerned with things looking odd or out of place. I suppose the main challenge was still making these items appear desirable, as my work can be dark.
What did you find most interesting about these individual objects?
The life path of the object. Where will these accessories actually end up in their life?
What do you hope these pieces evoke and arouse for the viewer?
My intention is that the viewer will be transported to another place. So they feel as if they are literally stepping into the image. And I hope my work adds to the products being seen as attractive and intriguing.
How would you sum up your interpretation of these Burberry accessories?
Something futuristic but timeless, with a dose of retro sci-fi surrealism.
Text and curation by Lucia Davies
