Over the course of 15 years in the industry, London-based fashion label JW Anderson, led by designer Jonathan Anderson, who also serves as the creative director of Loewe, has cultivated a lasting connection with the art world, both domestically and internationally. Notable instances of this collaboration include the Anderson-curated exhibition ‘Disobedient Bodies’ at Hepworth Wakefield. This exhibition featured Anderson’s own creations in dialogue with artworks by luminaries such as Constantin Brâncuşi, Louise Bourgeois, and Alberto Giacometti. Furthermore, JW Anderson has collaborated with esteemed artists like Gilbert & George, Tom of Finland, Dame Magdalene Odundo, and Shawanda Corbett.
Currently, Anderson is poised to introduce his latest venture in this realm with ‘On Foot’ (September 18 – October 28, 2023), a new exhibition at Mayfair’s Offer Waterman gallery. This exhibition coincides with the commencement of London Fashion Week in the city. Similar to ‘Disobedient Bodies,’ this exhibition will intermingle artworks with pieces from Anderson’s own collections. However, the primary focus here is on London itself, as it “embraces the striking disparities and unexpected juxtapositions that one encounters even during a brief excursion through the city.” Within this context, the works of influential British artists like Barbara Hepworth, Lucian Freud, and David Hockney will engage in a “dialogue” with a fresh generation of contemporary international artists, ranging from Lynette Yiadom-Boakye to Florian Krewer.
Adhering to this theme, Anderson will creatively reimagine the rooms and corridors of the Georgian townhouse housing Offer Waterman, transforming it into a simulated stroll through London. This imaginative journey will encompass everything from the refined streets of Mayfair to the vibrant atmosphere of Soho, where JW Anderson’s London store is situated. These fabricated scenes will traverse congested urban streets, a serene city park complete with a park bench, and culminate in a pub, serving as the exhibition’s final destination. In this pub, a diverse ensemble of characters will each recount their unique stories about the city they call home.
Pigeons, a ubiquitous sight on London’s streets, will also make an appearance. Renowned British artist and long-time collaborator of Anderson, Anthea Hamilton, will craft a special version of the designer’s famous ‘pigeon clutch,’ which will be displayed at both the gallery and JW Anderson’s Soho store. Additionally, garments from JW Anderson and Loewe have been selected for their ability to “transform the body and endow it with sculptural potential.”
The exhibition is scheduled to debut on September 18, just two days following Anderson’s presentation of the S/S 2024 womenswear collection for JW Anderson as part of London Fashion Week on September 16.
JW Anderson’s ‘On Foot’ at Offer Waterman will run from September 18 to October 28, 2023.
For more information, visit jwanderson.com.