Devi Vallabhaneni

Artist Statement:

For nearly a century, couturiers, including groundbreaking women like Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli, have stood as ultimate artists. By defining beauty through shape, volume, texture, and line, they have introduced us to a profound form of art. I think, feel, see, and create with this same couturier's sensibility, building upon their visionary legacies.

Couturiers are storytellers who convey emotions and ideas through the language of clothing. Their collections often stem from singular concepts, historical narratives, or deeply felt emotions. My work inhabits a new artistic genre: Abstract Couture. It is a contemporary art form where abstraction finds its expression through the ethos and materials inherent in Haute Couture.

My artistic vocabulary is shaped by a dialogue between the worlds of fine art and high fashion. The minimalist principles of Josef Albers and Donald Judd inform my understanding of color and shape, providing a structured foundation. This minimalism serves as a canvas for a rich maximalism, inspired by couturiers like Hubert de Givenchy and Karl Lagerfeld, alongside the bold and imaginative spirit of Schiaparelli and clean lines of Chanel. I explore intricate textures, layered patterns, and a dedication to meticulous detail within this defined space.

I invite viewers to engage with my unique vision: to experience the dynamic relationship between materials, shapes, textures, colors, and patterns, and to recognize the intricate and painstakingly laborious process of "thinking like a couturier." Each piece I design is a continuous exploration, akin to proving a theorem, where multiple visual elements, components, and conceptual ideas converge to narrate a compelling story. My practice is a deliberate conversation between the rigorous precision of couture and the boundless freedom of abstraction, a dialogue enriched by the enduring contributions of both male and female visionaries.