Exploring the Intimate Connection Between Clothing and Remembrance through Louise Bourgeois, Simone Rocha, and Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker

ECHO delves into the profound connection between clothing and memory, offering a captivating perspective through the creative lenses of three remarkable artists: Louise Bourgeois, Simone Rocha, and Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MoMu – Fashion Museum Antwerp (@momuantwerp)

This exhibition unfolds a narrative encompassing the recollections of infancy, childhood, motherhood, the passage of time, nostalgia, the artistry of handcraft, and the intricate interplay between the physical and emotional imprints left by clothing. ECHO serves as a dialogue bridging generations and artistic disciplines, with Louise Bourgeois, Simone Rocha, and Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker leading the way. These three artists, although operating in distinct domains, conjure echoes of the past within their work, weaving memories of textiles and garments into their unique artistic languages. While rooted in the personal, their creations resonate across a spectrum of human experiences.

Louise Bourgeois, known for her evocative statement, “It gives me great pleasure to hold on to my clothes… I would like to take it and hold it tight in my arms,” encapsulates the emotional bond between clothing and memory. Simone Rocha, honored to be part of this exhibition, anticipates the profound dialogue between diverse forms of expression, from sculpture to fabric, movement to emotion, and clothing.

ECHO goes beyond the artists, shedding light on a lesser-known facet of the MoMu Collection—the exceptional work of textile conservators. This vast collection, with over 38,000 items, carries the echoes of countless personal stories and historical events. The aromas, stains, tears, alterations, and repairs in these garments become conduits for stories that traverse time.

The exhibition features a unique selection of items from the MoMu Collection, showcasing their flaws, discolorations, and traces of damage, each with its own intriguing narrative. ECHO culminates in a display of work by an array of artists, illustrating the multifaceted dimensions of memory through various mediums.

Curated by Elisa De Wyngaert, designed by Janina Pedan, and with graphic design by Paul Boudens, PRACTICAL ECHO: Wrapped in Memory will grace the MoMu – Fashion Museum Antwerp from October 14, 2023, until February 25, 2024. For more details, visit momu.be and immerse yourself in this exploration of the intimate bond between clothing and memory.