Web-Exclusive
Photo Gallery for Maria Blaisse

In our September/October 2004 issue, Jessica Hemmings writes about artists who are crossing disciplines, drawing inspiration for their work with textiles from science, math, dance, theater, and technology. Her examples were drawn from an international conference, The Space Between, which took place in Perth, Australia, in April. Jessica concludes that these hybrid projects deepen, enrich, and challenge our understanding of the textile.

One of the artists discussed in the article is Maria Blaisse, from the Netherlands. During The Space Between, a retrospective of Maria's work was on view at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts. Jessica writes, "Blaisse's forms can be understood as sculptures or costumes. In many cases, it is difficult to determine which is in control: the body or the form. (Often it looks to be a little of both.) Perhaps more clearly than any other artist, Blaisse resides firmly between the disciplines of art, design, textiles, and fashion. Her work is an investigation of form and material. The results have found homes in the theater, on the fashion catwalk, and in the art gallery."

Below you'll find some samples of forms from Blaisse's career. She plans a big touring exhibition and accompanying book in the coming year.

Maria Blaisse, Silver spheres, forms for the dance performance Spheres at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, 1989; vacuum-shaped spheres of industrial foam rubber. Photo: Anna Beeke.

Maria Blaisse, Rolling stripes, form for the dance performance Kuma Guna; thermic lamination of black/white layers + wave profile. Photo: Anna Beeke.

Maria Blaisse, Movingback, forms for the dance performance Kuma Guna; rectangular sheet of foam (connected on the front side of the body). Photo: Anna Beeke.

Maria Blaisse, Rubber arms, forms for the dance performance Kuma Guna; solid foam rubber. Photo: Anna Beeke.