“BEYOND THE ART OF CRAFT”
NIKOLE TURSI


The Swiss Church
LONDON
17-19 May 2024

On the occasion of London Craft Week, Argentinian milliner and artist Nikole Tursi is delighted to unveil ‘Beyond the Art of Craft’, her first major solo exhibition in the UK, taking over the stunning Swiss Church – a historic 150-year-old Grade II listed church – nestled in the heart of Covent Garden in London.

Running from 17 May until 19 May, the exhibition will present a carefully curated collection of Tursi’s latest and most recent creations, revealing her extraordinary craftsmanship and unorthodox experimentation with materials. Blurring the lines between art and fashion, the striking body of work will feature 7 wearable pieces that seamlessly integrate sculptural elements, including headpieces, gloves and ensembles. It celebrates the artist’s fascination with diverse mediums – blending various art forms, from painting and sculpture to embroidery and experimental textile techniques.

Driven by the pursuit for non-replicable materials and a profound passion for innovation, Tursi enhances her couture sculptures through experimentation. She meticulously crafts each piece, using a variety of materials from her own collection of unusual, rare and found objects, such as vintage trimmings or architectural model materials. To fully explore their transformative potential, she incorporates tools from different disciplines and inventive techniques. Captivated by textures and embracing the inherent unpredictability of her craft, the artist allows the essence of the materials to shape her creations and guide her creative process. This approach allows each piece to develop organically, resulting in highly individual, tactile and powerful pieces.

A standout highlight of the exhibition is Mercurius, a winged character symbolizing the freedom of the mind. Crafted with couture and millinery techniques, the wearable ensemble features feathers made from fabric petals and leaves, shaped with antique millinery instruments. Each detail is meticulously sealed with fire, adding a touch of artistry and uniqueness to the piece. Intrinsically connected to nature, Tursi will also unveil a body piece that merges botanical and wearable art, inspired by the dandelion. This ethereal and otherworldly creation is the fruit of collaboration with botanical artist Daniel The Gardener, combining his illustrations with her innovative techniques. Additional collaborative works first exhibited in Buenos Aires, Argentina, including Flora and Fauno, two wearable ensembles from the year 2019 REIN|OS exhibition at the MAD, Museum of Decorative Arts, in collaboration with sculptor Celina Saubidet and designer Marina Molinelli from Cabinet Óseo, will be shown alongside pieces created for their 2023 exhibition at the Victoria Ocampo House, showcasing the sculptures that inspired their textures.

Combining craftsmanship, artistic expression, and innovation, the unique and captivating collection pushes the boundaries of creativity, transcending conventional fashion to evoke fluidity and evolution. Unrestricted by shape, material, or volume, each procedure aims to inspire and uphold the essence of craftsmanship, shaping the future of wearable art. Created to offer wearable alternatives, Tursi’s pieces inspire a sense of movement, growth, and ever-expanding possibilities.

"I perceive artistry as the boundless flight of the mind, transcending physical limits, exploring new creative realms, and honouring the transformative essence of handmade work. My creations are not bound by tradition; they evolve, move, and grow. Each piece is a celebration of craftsmanship and originality, inviting others to join me on an endless journey where the possibilities of artistic expression are limitless," says Tursi.
Her artistic and professional development, marked by collaborations with artists delving into texture and volume, mirrors her commitment. Drawing inspiration from a variety of artistic disciplines, Tursi actively nurtures connections with fellow creatives, fostering collaborations that drive her artistic endeavours and ongoing exploration in fashion and art.
The immersive exhibition, 'Beyond the Art of Craft,' celebrates the transformative power of craftsmanship, drawing visitors into Tursi’s intricate artistic world. It invites them to explore the diverse tools and materials that breathe life into her pieces, gaining insights into her creative process. Accompanied by a sound composition by Lucas Romeo from Siesta del Fauno, the exhibition enhances the sensory journey into Tursi’s universe of craftsmanship.









ABOUT NIKOLE TURSI
Nikole Tursi's artistic journey began in Argentina, where she cultivated her talent at the prestigious Teatron Colón, the iconic opera house in Buenos Aires. Working within the Costume Atelier, Tursi brought to life the enchanting worlds of renowned operas and ballets such as the timeless classics Aida and Swan Lake, as well as evocative narratives such as Andrea Chenier and Adriana Lecouvreur. Emerging as a luminary, Tursi oversaw every facet of costume execution with an unwavering commitment to innovation. Her visionary handcrafted embellishments, daring textile experiments, and avant-garde embroideries pushed the boundaries of tradition and seamlessly bridged the realms of theatre and haute couture. Assuming leadership of the esteemed Millinery Studio further solidified her reputation as a master of her craft in costume design.

In 2019, Tursi was honoured with the prestigious Mi Oficio, Mi Historia Prize in Argentina, a testament to her artistic vision, exceptional talent within her craft, and dedication. This esteemed award not only recognised her achievements but also inspired her to broaden her creative horizons.

That same year, Tursi embarked on a new chapter in London, where she has since handcrafted pieces for Burberry, contributing to runway and VIP projects including the esteemed MET Gala. Acknowledged as promising talent by the British Crafts Council, Tursi was selected for their HOTHOUSE 2020 programme . Subsequently, she joined the British Hat Guild in 2021, and later became a distinguished member of the renowned Michelangelo Foundation in 2023.

In April 2024, Nikole Tursi was chosen to be part of The Royal Ascot Millinery Collective, alongside 11 other designers. This collective comprises industry veterans and the next generation of millinery creatives from around the globe, celebrating the significant role of hat-wearing in fashion.


PRACTICAL INFORMATION

17-19 May 2024

Free admission

The Swiss Church
79 Endell Street
WC2H 9DY London

Opening Hours

Friday 17 May, 12pm- 6pm
Saturday 18 May 2024, 12pm- 6pm
Sunday 19 May 2024, 2pm – 6pm

www.tursi.art
www.instagram.com/_______tursi_______/


For further press information and enquiries, please contact:

Benedicte PR
Benedicte Labatut, Director
benedicte@benedictepr.com

-

MAISON RANDOM
www.maisonrandom.org