Ellen Silva

Date of Award

2026

Document Type

MA Project - Open Access

Project Type

MA Project - Curatorial Proposal

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Art Business

First Advisor

Judith Prowda

Second Advisor

Leo Krakowsky

Abstract

Objective Chance, Convulsive Beauty and The Marvelous within Fashion is an exhibition inspired by the early idea of Surrealism specifically how the concepts of objective chance, convulsive beauty and the marvelous are intertwined and represented within fashion in the 21st century. The audience will be able to witness for themselves the use of these themes throughout the Surrealist movement by viewing works of fashion and artwork side by side. Some of the references are unmistakable, but some of them must be viewed with more of a conceptual focus as Surrealism was not only an art movement, but originally a philosophical and intellectual movement that can be seen in all forms of creative practice. In accordance with the early Surrealist, Objective Chance requires you to disconnect from the conscious mind and allow free flowing thoughts and ideas which allow unusual and unconventional pairings. This combined with the idea of Convulsive Beauty which is defined as the moment when opposites come together in a sort of synthesis1, creates what the Surrealist called The Marvelous. Through works by designers such as Daniel Roseberry for Schiaparelli, Alexander McQueen, and John Galliano, Martin Margiella, and Jean-Charles de Castelbajac as well as new and upcoming creators like Victor and Rolff and JW Anderson for Loewe the viewer will be able to see both the use of Objective Chance and Convulsive Beauty in the inspiration and execution of the garment therefor creating The Marvelous with the use of fabric. The exhibition will also highlight the inspiration seen in the clothing by famous Surrealists works and artist of the 20th century like Rene Margaritte, Meret Oppenheim and Man Ray.

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