Jonathan Anderson and Patrick Carroll recently collaborated on an exhibition called “Days” during Milan Design Week. The exhibition featured 37 pieces of hand-machined knitwear in different colors and textures, each displaying different words. This marks Carroll’s foray into creating pure artwork pieces, separate from the fashion world. The show was well-attended, with visitors spilling out onto the streets of Milan.
The collaboration between Anderson and Carroll began two years ago when Anderson first showcased Carroll’s pieces during a JW Anderson menswear show. The knitted pieces were worn as clothing back then, but now they are displayed like canvases over stretcher bars. Carroll expressed that the show was a pivotal moment for his craft, prompting him to explore how his creations would fit within the realm of art. This exhibition in Milan marks his first international showing of his artwork.
Carroll’s work challenges conventional categories, such as gender, materials, and forms of craft. By blurring the lines between clothing and art, he is able to create new perspectives on creative expression. He delves into topics such as labor rights, commodity, taxation, and freedom of movement across borders, highlighting the disparities between clothing and art in terms of categorization. Carroll’s pieces push boundaries and invite viewers to question the traditional definitions of design, art, and fashion.
The nature of design at Milan Design Week can often be opaque, much like the wooden bars that stretch Carroll’s knitwear pieces. Anderson and Carroll’s collaboration invites viewers to ponder questions about the intersection of design, art, and fashion. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore the relationship between craft and creative expression, challenging traditional boundaries and definitions. By showcasing Carroll’s knitwear pieces as art installations, the exhibition prompts viewers to consider the artistic value of clothing and the labor that goes into creating it.
Carroll’s pieces have been exhibited in various locations across the United States, but his collaboration with Anderson in Milan represents a new chapter in his artistic journey. The exhibition highlights the evolution of Carroll’s craft and his exploration of the boundaries between art and fashion. With Anderson’s support and platform, Carroll is able to showcase his work on an international stage, inviting global audiences to engage with and reflect on his unique creations. The exhibition at Milan Design Week serves as a meeting point for Anderson and Carroll’s shared passion for pushing the boundaries of creativity and redefining traditional concepts in the world of design and art.
