Raymond Van Tussel Photography
Annamarta Dostourian is an artist and designer based in Berkeley, California who will once again be presenting a new collection at Hot Couture 2014.
She’s knits, crochets, and weaves metal jeweler’s wire into unusual forms and couture onto which light or images are projected, creating shadows which are intricate parts of the sculptures and installations. This delicate media allows expression of her sense of subtle realms of light and space. Her multimedia works explore the complexities of overlapping cultural identities of being both Armenian and American.
For Hot Couture 2014, Dostourian has created four never-before-seen couture looks inspired by Armenian cathedrals of the 10th century, disappearing bee populations, female Mexican revolutionaries, time travel, magic, peacock feathers and lore, and her own dreams.
Many of the designs use her signature media of crocheted metal wire, while others employ materials such as found watch gears and semi-precious jewels. The pieces shiver, shimmer and float across the stage as the models strut across the stage along with the models. The incredible level of detail shines under the warehouse lights and attendees are treated not just to a fashion show, but an immersive dreamlike experience.
Annamarta Dostourian was born in Massachusetts, Dostourian received her BA from Clark University, attended San Francisco Art Institute. She has exhibited at 5 Claude Lane Gallery, Mina Dresden Gallery, SOMArts Cultural Center (San Francisco), Berkeley Art Center (Berkeley) Creative Growth Art Center (Oakland), and as part of the California Finale Juried Exhibition through RUSH Philanthropic Arts Foundation in collaboration with 5 Claude Lane Gallery and Bombay Sapphire.
