Dianne Avila
Drawing inspiration from the mythical figure of Mari in Basque folklore, the student sculpts a distinctive design. Mari, portrayed as a Mother Earth dwelling underground, bestows miracles upon those who present her with gold offerings. Delving into Mari's material surroundings of gold and marble, the student extends this exploration to a play of colours and an investigation into structural possibilities, resulting in an abstract silhouette that captures the essence of both nature and modern artistry.
The student conceptualises their designs on the foundation of architectural silhouettes, exaggerated volumes, and sculptural shapes. Employing thick, gold fabric to emulate the contours reminiscent of Brancusi's sculptures, they artfully evoke the aura that surrounds Mari in traditional depictions, imbuing cultural symbolism into the fabric of the design. This is achieved through the curvature of the fabric, crafting a sculptural hood that gracefully cascades down to the waist and seamlessly integrates with the structural gown, bending and pleating as an homage to the rocky landscape of Mari and Balenciaga.
