Wabi Sabi at The Keep

Kenneth Munnchen created 33 garments of Japanese rice paper that guests could unwrap and put on, at an event called ‘Wabi-sabi at The Keep’ at THE KEEP in Auckland’s K Road…

THE KEEP presents KENNETH MUNNCHEN
Thursday 8th November 2012

Wabi: can refer to quirks and anomalies arising from the process of construction which adds uniqueness and elegance to the object.

Sabi: is beauty or serenity that comes with age, when the life of the object and its impermanence are evidenced in its patina and wear, or in any visible repairs.

Wabi-sabi: represents a comprehensive Japanese worldview or aesthetic centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection.

The Keep on Auckland’s Karangahape Road was the venue for the showcase of artistic work by Kenneth Munnchen. His good friend Lela Jacob of The Keep asked Kenneth to put on a show in her store and from this, the Wabi-sabi idea transformed itself into some gorgeous artistic pieces of wearable art.

On a table at the entrance of the store were 33 garments presented as envelopes. People were asked to open the envelope which, when undone were actually garments made of Japanese rice paper and carefully handstitched by Kenneth.

Each of the 33 pieces are beautiful works of art and were all recreations of garments in Kenneth’s own wardrobe. There was a hoodie, jacket, culottes, a dress, and poncho for starters. The estimated time to create the collection was over a month of work.

The rice paper itself was found in a second hand store from old Japanese accounting books. Hand stamped onto each piece are the poems of Japanese poets from their death beds.

The whole idea around the collection is the idea of transience as a counter ideal to Western standards of beauty – to make something that tears and falls apart yet is still beautiful. Guests on the evening were encouraged to try on and wear and tear the garments, as Kenneth’s next steps are to repair these items over the next few months and redisplay them in The Keep window; the concept behind of Wabi-sabi.

Kenneth’s artistic background goes a long way back. Originally from Wellington where he met Lela through Hunters and Collectors, Kenneth has spent the past three years assisting a painter in Germany. Now he is back in New Zealand he is keen to work on this idea of bringing imperfections not only into art and fashion but to musical performance.

The photos show how beautiful the garments are; all a piece of art in their own right.

You can find out more on Kenneth Mannchens here www.wubmysub.webs.com

Below: Kenneth Munnchen.

Story and photos by Stacey Gillies @ www.fashionfairground.co.nz
8 November 2012