Paul Boudens - Trust Me
The Wapping Project
03.09-03.10
Introduction at the entrance
Graphics Master Paul Boudens is collaborating with Set Designer Bob Verhelst on the Wapping Project's latest show in conjunction with the London Design Festival. Boudens is a key player in the visual representation of the fashion world and has also been involved in invitation design with Yohji Yamamoto and Dries Van Noten. The show features his works in the past 20 years, which has been the transition between traditional media to new & multi-media.
Paul Boudens' works are mosaics on the floor, the wall and the ceiling
We are very impressed with the publicity posters and flyers Paul designed for his own show - it has been all around town. (Of course we would not show it here, you would have to go to see it for yourself in the gallery. It is available for sale.)
The main suspending showcase in the gallery
It can be easily understood that the show is a propaganda set for his new book. However, it seems that the dialogue between the set design and his works is a bit weak. Other than wallpapering prints of his works here & there, we do not quite get how the set concept is related to his works, his style or his book. Perhaps the spectacle in the preview night as described in the official listing is good enough for the mainstream media and visitors to leave a good impression. But without that, it becomes a really static space which cannot quite portray the vibrant creativity of the Belgian master.
A number of Paul's first books (volume 1) are being used as the subject of the installation at the annex space
A magazine #3 - Art Director & Graphic Designer: Paul Boudens
A magazine #5 - Art Director & Graphic Designer: Paul Boudens
A magazine #7 - Art Director & Graphic Designer: Paul Boudens
If these videos are projected on the outside walls of the suspending room, it would animate the space and give a better understanding on the design aesthetics of Paul Boudens (the set works probably more in the philosophy level). Afterall, this is a multimedia era, we do not feel our visit is concluded until this blog has been finished :)
Full photo set
If you have visited the show, feel free to share what you think here.
*****
Further Readings -
Official website of Paul Boudens (contains an interesting animation clip, mainly for promoting his book)
Paul Boudens in fashion brand Coming Soon's campaign