As someone with a deep affinity for the ocean and its mesmerising corals and sea creatures, experiencing Iris van Herpen’s exhibition at GOMA Brisbane felt like diving into an enchanted underwater realm. Her designs resonate with the fluidity and structure of marine life, capturing the wonders and lessons of both childhood fantasies and adult realities.
Walking through the exhibition is like stepping into a dream. The intricacy and detailing of van Herpen’s garments are astounding, showcasing her talent and creativity. It’s hard to believe she’s only 40. The exhibition is a fully immersive sensory experience and was far more comprehensive than I expected.
The curation of the exhibition at GOMA was incredible. Not only does it feature Iris van Herpen’s creations, but it also includes whale skull skeletons, coral, drawings, and marine specimens. They’re so well integrated that you don’t even realise that they’re not hers. The descriptions of the works are spot on too. The presentation itself is extraordinary. The combination of sounds, lights, mirrors, and shadows creates an environment that moves you hush. I love seeing how environments affect people’s behaviour. The soundscape, created by Salvador Breed, vibrates with energy. It feels like a cross between a dream and a nightmare—otherworldly yet incredibly grounded with elements of earth and marine throughout.
Van Herpen’s work, has been created and worn for icons like Beyoncé, Björk, Cate Blanchett, Lady Gaga, and Tilda Swinton. She combines subtle hand-crafting with sophisticated technologies like 3D printing to evoke the natural world’s intricacy and diversity, from marine biology to quantum physics.
For me, the exhibition brought back memories of childhood crafting, and my love for the ocean, corals, sea life, and art. It’s not just fashion—it’s a full sensory experience.
If you’re in Brisbane, I highly recommend visiting this exhibition. It’s an incredible experience that will transport you to another world. “Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses” runs until October 7th, so don’t miss the chance to see it. I absolutely loved it, and I’m sure you will too!
