Diane Simpson

Key Takeaways:

• The exhibition is entitled “Formal Wear,” linking fashion and art.
• Underskirt (1986) references eighteenth-century hoopskirts for inspiration.
• Geometric forms and latticework define Simpson’s signature approach.
• The show intertwines architecture and ornamentation across Simpson’s survey.
• Presented at the American Academy of Arts and Letters, highlighting the cultural prominence of her work.

Diane Simpson’s Ornamental Structures

Pigeon-toed and slightly askew, Underskirt (1986) greets visitors at Diane Simpson’s “Formal Wear” exhibition with a gentle yet theatrical sway. The sculpture, which draws inspiration from eighteenth-century hoopskirts, appears almost mid-curtsy, inviting viewers to examine its geometric framework.

Historical Inspiration in Modern Abstraction

Underskirt stands as a decorative scaffold adorned with cascading tiers of cream-colored latticework edged with emerald-green paint. This deliberate color choice underscores Simpson’s fascination with historical silhouette and architectural detail, bridging past and present through visually compelling precision.

Balancing Architecture and Ornament

According to the exhibition’s focus, Simpson’s abiding concerns revolve around fusing elements of style, structure, and history. As the piece “exudes both structure and style, architecture and ornament,” it unites the solidity of architectural forms with the refined nuances of fashion’s more decorative aspects.

Presenting Simpson at the American Academy

By staging “Formal Wear” at the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the exhibition highlights Simpson’s significance within the broader art discourse. Visitors experience firsthand how her works engage different eras and conceptual terrains, shedding light on the enduring appeal of fashion’s structural underpinnings—and the possibilities that arise when they intersect with contemporary sculpture.