The summer blockbuster exhibition, Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse is now showing at the National Gallery of Victoria. Organised by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and in partnership with NGV, this is Australia’s first major exhibition to explore McQueen’s boundary-pushing work. McQueen is one of the most significant fashion designers of the late twentieth century, and in this showcase, you’ll find out exactly why. See over 120 garments and accessories, alongside over 80 historical artworks including painting, sculpture, photography and sketches. The Alexander McQueen exhibition is now on at NGV International, and will run until April 16, 2023.
Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse
This incredible exhibition doesn’t just display McQueen’s iconic looks – it offers an insight into his mind. Artworks presented alongside garments offer a glimpse into his sources of inspiration, his creative process and capacity of story telling. Visitors will see acclaimed collections throughout his career, from his early days to his last, existential collection, Plato’s Atlantis.
“Juxtaposing Alexander McQueen’s designs with artworks in a wide range of media opens up a new perspective on his process and artistic legacy,” said Michael Govan, LACMA CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director. “We are thrilled to share this ground-breaking exhibition with Australian audiences.”
The exhibition is split into four themes:
- Mythos – this explores three collections inspired by mythological and religious belief systems. These collections incorporate visual references to diverse cultures, as well as art-historical movements.
- Fashioned Narratives – this section examines McQueen’s use of worldbuilding, with collections that tell original stories or reimagine past events.
- Evolution and Existence – this takes a look at McQueen’s fascination with life cycles and the human condition. It explores nature, evolution, death and the fragility of life.
- Technique and Innovation – this highlights the designer’s technical strengths and innovative design approach. See dedicated displays that focus on tailoring, dressmaking and deconstruction.
“Alexander McQueen is beloved for his boundary-pushing and highly conceptual designs that set him apart from his contemporaries,” said Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV. “With meticulous craftmanship and an intellectual rigour seldom seen on the runways before or since, he created a new vocabulary for fashion design that still resonates today.”
NGV is open daily from 10am to 5pm. If you’d like to explore the exhibition after dark, be sure to check out NGV Friday Nights.