Kapiti artist Jill Studd shares fascination through photographs

One of Jill Studd's photographic works from her Mantle exhibition at Gallery 85. Photo / Supplied

Jill Studd says her works on show at Gallery 85 in Whanganui represent her fascination with historical garments.

Mantle is an exhibition of photographic works depicting exquisite gowns, and the artist says her fascination began with a find in a cupboard.

"After a residency in Ranfurly, Central Otago, I found a collection of interesting clothes in the cupboard of my studio.

"They were so intriguing that I used them in my work making photographs and drawings of them.

"All were New Zealand made and dated from the 1940s, they were finely stitched with extraordinary detailing."

Studd says the photographs featured in Mantle were developed after she read an article about a sale of clothing which had belonged to actress Marilyn Monroe.

"I considered what actually still remained with the item which made it specifically hers.

"The garments which I have used have no such links, but they are evocative of time and place, and - they have been altered so that they require a new interpretation from the viewer."

Studd graduated from Canterbury University Ilam School of Fine Arts in 1972.

She has been awarded five QE II Arts Council and Creative New Zealand grants, held several artist's residencies and been a full-time artist since 1987.

She has lived and worked on the Kapiti Coast for several years.

Mantle is open for viewing at Gallery 85, Glasgow St, from 12pm to 4pm Wednesday to Friday and 10am to 1pm on Saturday.