in

Irene Saputra Invents Elaborate, Playful Outfits in Her Vibrant Embroideries

Composite from the series ‘Arak Arakan Sepi.’ All images courtesy of Irene Seputra, shared with permission

Irene Saputra Invents Elaborate, Playful Outfits in Her Vibrant Embroideries

Flowers, stars, leaves, eyes, and countless patterns transform into billowing garments in Irene Saputra’s vibrant embroideries. The South Jakarta-based artist, who also goes by Nengiren, repeats the playful motif of nona kecil, which means “little woman” in Indonesian.

Saputra’s fashion-forward character might be described as a clotheshorse who dons numerous bold outfits, some of which seem to have personalities of their own. Saputra has often referred to these styles as OOTD’s, or outfits of the day, borrowing from a hashtag historically used by fashion influencers on social media.

“Arak Arakan Sepi 2”

The faceless figure’s cropped bob and black boots are the only commonality, as always-symmetrical wide-leg trousers or dresses vary widely. Through color, scale, and repetition, Saputra’s hand-stitched characters also coordinate and complement one another. Some, like the Arak Arakan Sepi series—meaning “quiet procession” in Indonesian—are more abstract and bulbous, while others, like “ARTSUBS,” depict more realistic outfits.

Saputra draws on a background in graphic design and illustration, which she applies to her fiber compositions. Through the lens of women’s fashion and personal expression, she channels optimism and her own journey of motherhood. Find more on Instagram.

“ARTSUBS”
“Soft Spot”
Detail of “Soft Spot”
“Kebun Tengah Malam”
Detail of “Kebun Tengah Malam”
Arak Arakan Sepi 1
“Melankoli Biru”
“Musim Menyapa Kembali”
Arak Arakan Sepi 3

Related articles

  • Embroidery Adds Textured Narratives to the Subjects of Flore Gardner’s Stitched Photographs
  • Fashion Illustrations with Embroidered Accents and Accessories by Izziyana Suhaimi
  • Intricate Landscapes and Tiny Houses ‘Painted’ With Multi-Colored Thread
  • Stephanie K. Clark’s Thread Paintings Capture Homes in Their Distinctly Native Surroundings
  • Paint Splotch Embroidery by Olya Glagoleva and Lisa Smirnova
  • New Embroidered Clothes and Portraits by Lisa Smirnova


Source: Art - thisiscolossal.com


Tagcloud:

A Rousing Outsider Art Fashion Show Hits New York

Ceramics Mimic Cardboard in Jacques Monneraud’s Trompe-l’œil Ode to Giorgio Morandi