Acclaimed art duo Battenberg-Cartwright shared their experience of working in the fields of art and fashion when they visited the University of Lincoln.
Described as a living conceptual piece and performance art duo, Nora and Paul Battenberg-Cartwright have showcased their work on some of the world’s biggest catwalks; including at the London, Berlin and Paris Fashion Weeks.
The couple, who married to demonstrate their artistic commitment to one another, work across various artistic disciplines, including lens-based work, performance and painting, as well as fashion design.
Battenberg-Cartwright as a label works to extend the bridge between art and fashion, taking used objects to transform them into creations for catwalks. The shows remain between the fashion and art worlds; placing materials as of secondary importance to concept.
On Thursday 12th and Friday 13th March 2015, Battenberg-Cartwright presented to the University of Lincoln’s final year Fashion students on their industry success, methods of working and view of art and performance.
The undergraduate Fashion students from the School of Fine & Performing Arts also discussed their own collections with the artists, and received from them a brief to create an object, wearable or otherwise, to showcase in a video, which will form part of their Professional Practice module.
Setting the brief, Battenberg-Cartwright said: “Try not to be so technical. Push your boundaries. Use unusual materials. Make it very quickly – or very slowly if you prefer – but above all things, be daring.
“The aim is not to create a typical ‘fashion video’, but something else altogether. Whatever it is, think outside the box and aim to create something totally new to your working practice.”
Victoria Bellandini, Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Fashion at the University of Lincoln, said: “It was fantastic to welcome Battenberg-Cartwright to the University. It is vital for our students to understand that fashion is about more than just garments; it also incorporates art and performance, and Nora and Paul are perfectly placed to demonstrate how successful this combination can be.”
Before completing their MA in Fine Art at Chelsea College of Art in London, Battenberg-Cartwright studied Fine Art in Worcester where they were taught by Lee Hassall, who is now a Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Art Practice at the University of Lincoln.
