River To Ocean Wearable Sculpture

River To Ocean Wearable Sculpture

River To Ocean Wearable Sculpture is an innovative artistic creation that seamlessly merges sculptural art with wearable fashion, exemplifying the intersection of contemporary art and functional design. This remarkable piece, designed by Yiyao Nie in collaboration with fashion designer Qiongxin Kou, represents a metaphorical journey of self-discovery through three-dimensional forms that capture the essence of water's movement frozen in time. The collection, which earned a Silver A' Design Award in the Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category, consists of meticulously crafted hats, vests, and shoe decorations that simulate water droplets interacting with natural elements such as flowers and rocks. The pieces are created through an sophisticated production process that begins with 3D software design, followed by resin-based 3D printing of individual components, which are then hand-painted and assembled into wearable sculptures. The hat measures 300mm x 300mm x 400mm, while the vest spans 600mm x 600mm x 800mm, creating dramatic silhouettes that remain surprisingly lightweight. A notable technical achievement of the design is its modular construction, allowing the pieces to be disassembled and reconstructed in various configurations, enhancing both portability and sustainability. The artistic concept draws inspiration from Chinese philosophy, particularly the proverb The small me meets the big me, representing the transformative moment of self-acceptance and personal growth. The sculptural elements serve as physical manifestations of this philosophical journey, with the water droplet motifs symbolizing moments of clarity and transformation, while the flowing forms represent life's continuous evolution and the path to self-discovery.

wearable sculpture, contemporary art installation, fashion technology, sculptural fashion design, experimental fashion, artistic self-expression

— Adam Dawson