Museum

World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM)

I'm not always good about getting these museum pics posted while there's still time for other people to get to the exhibit, but this time, I'm on it!  And this exhibit is so, so, so inspiring!  You really have to go if you're in the Boston area.  

I attended the opening night of the Peabody Essex Museum's WOW or World of Wearable Art exhibit.  The exhibit is fascinating and inspiring and even includes an area where you can make a paper doll with some fancy art clothing!

From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum

And now onto the life size art.  Pieces in WOW — which is actually a contest out of New Zealand — must be actually wearable.  You can read all about it here.

From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum
From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum

I think that this lobster was my favorite.  So insanely fabulous in every way!

From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum

You must look at the details on all of these outfits.  From shoes to hats to gloves to accessories, everything has been thought out to the very last detail!

From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum
From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum

The artist who made this piece was actually in attendance at the event.  I eavesdropped as she was chatting with some people.  I was too shy to ask any questions myself, but it was interesting to hear her talk about her work:

From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum

I could have stared at this piece all day and seen something new each and every time.  Love it!

From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum

And I'm not the only one who liked it.  As you can see from the postcard above, the museum used it on advertising.

From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum
From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum
From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum
From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum

The photos do not do this dress justice.  It was glittery beyond glittery.  Perfect Barbie glittery pink!

From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum

I definitely had a feeling of female empowerment in many of the outfits.

From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum
From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum
From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum
From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum
From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum
From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum
From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum

There was an exhibit of bras, which included a few taxidermied pieces.  (Hint: 2 of the 3 animal pieces are actual animals.  Can you tell which one is fake?)

From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum
From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum
From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum
From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum
From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum
From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum

This outfit is made from zip ties!

From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum
From the Balzer Designs Blog: World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum

So many amazing things to see.  People are so creative.  It's amazing.

This exhibit is definitely worth a visit.  I hope you'll get a chance to see it!

Thanks for stopping by!

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

Based outside of Boston, Julie Fei-Fan Balzer is a painter, printmaker, and collage artist who constructs vibrant compositions. Her artwork investigates the interplay of identity and perception, inviting viewers to take a longer look. Julie works in layers, both physically and metaphorically, exploring what is visible and what is concealed. Passionate about connecting with and inspiring other artists, she shares her expertise through in-person workshops and her online classroom at MyArtPractice.com. Julie's achievements include high-profile clients, multiple publications - including her book, “Carve Stamp Play” - and exhibits in New York City and throughout Massachusetts. She is a graduate of Brown University.

96 thoughts on “World of Wearable Art at the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM)

  • Thank you so much for posting your museum & gallery jaunts, living on the other side of the pond it is impossible to see these marvellous things in person. Please know it is very much appreciated.

    Reply
  • Thank you so much for posting your museum & gallery jaunts, living on the other side of the pond it is impossible to see these marvellous things in person. Please know it is very much appreciated.

    Reply
  • Thank you so much for posting your museum & gallery jaunts, living on the other side of the pond it is impossible to see these marvellous things in person. Please know it is very much appreciated.

    Reply
  • Thank you so much for posting your museum & gallery jaunts, living on the other side of the pond it is impossible to see these marvellous things in person. Please know it is very much appreciated.

    Reply
  • Thank you so much for posting your museum & gallery jaunts, living on the other side of the pond it is impossible to see these marvellous things in person. Please know it is very much appreciated.

    Reply
  • Thank you so much for posting your museum & gallery jaunts, living on the other side of the pond it is impossible to see these marvellous things in person. Please know it is very much appreciated.

    Reply
  • WOW! So so interesting. I just love it all. Thanks for sharing your experience. I just love the little dolls with the cupcake uses for skirts, etc. So cool!

    Reply
  • WOW! So so interesting. I just love it all. Thanks for sharing your experience. I just love the little dolls with the cupcake uses for skirts, etc. So cool!

    Reply
  • WOW! So so interesting. I just love it all. Thanks for sharing your experience. I just love the little dolls with the cupcake uses for skirts, etc. So cool!

    Reply
  • WOW! So so interesting. I just love it all. Thanks for sharing your experience. I just love the little dolls with the cupcake uses for skirts, etc. So cool!

    Reply
  • WOW! So so interesting. I just love it all. Thanks for sharing your experience. I just love the little dolls with the cupcake uses for skirts, etc. So cool!

    Reply
  • WOW! So so interesting. I just love it all. Thanks for sharing your experience. I just love the little dolls with the cupcake uses for skirts, etc. So cool!

    Reply
  • Hi Julie,
    This is Amazing. Thank you for sharing another wonderful experience and museum. WOW
    Happy Wednesday,
    Fawna

    Reply
  • Hi Julie,
    This is Amazing. Thank you for sharing another wonderful experience and museum. WOW
    Happy Wednesday,
    Fawna

    Reply
  • Hi Julie,
    This is Amazing. Thank you for sharing another wonderful experience and museum. WOW
    Happy Wednesday,
    Fawna

    Reply
  • Hi Julie,
    This is Amazing. Thank you for sharing another wonderful experience and museum. WOW
    Happy Wednesday,
    Fawna

    Reply
  • Hi Julie,
    This is Amazing. Thank you for sharing another wonderful experience and museum. WOW
    Happy Wednesday,
    Fawna

    Reply
  • Hi Julie,
    This is Amazing. Thank you for sharing another wonderful experience and museum. WOW
    Happy Wednesday,
    Fawna

    Reply
  • what a fabulous museum – one I surely would love to visit – thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  • what a fabulous museum – one I surely would love to visit – thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  • what a fabulous museum – one I surely would love to visit – thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  • what a fabulous museum – one I surely would love to visit – thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  • what a fabulous museum – one I surely would love to visit – thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  • what a fabulous museum – one I surely would love to visit – thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  • this is fascinating- (and can I just say how jealous I am that you live in an area that is not only filled with museums but with museums that let you take photos? Our one museum has docents crawling around it that snatch away your phone/camera if you even pull it out!) What’s interesting to me is that your reaction (female empowerment) is exactly the opposite of mine. I see a lot of bondage (compared to the freedom to move without limitation, flexibility, etc…), traditional female roles and forms, and shackles. And lots of “protection”- layers of shells, spikes, tentacles, etc. (perhaps to protect from violence- an interesting reaction to the last few years and the rise against violence towards women, maybe?) I love the way art brings out different reactions in different viewers. That’s what makes it a process of engagement rather than just a static thing.

    Reply
  • this is fascinating- (and can I just say how jealous I am that you live in an area that is not only filled with museums but with museums that let you take photos? Our one museum has docents crawling around it that snatch away your phone/camera if you even pull it out!) What’s interesting to me is that your reaction (female empowerment) is exactly the opposite of mine. I see a lot of bondage (compared to the freedom to move without limitation, flexibility, etc…), traditional female roles and forms, and shackles. And lots of “protection”- layers of shells, spikes, tentacles, etc. (perhaps to protect from violence- an interesting reaction to the last few years and the rise against violence towards women, maybe?) I love the way art brings out different reactions in different viewers. That’s what makes it a process of engagement rather than just a static thing.

    Reply
  • this is fascinating- (and can I just say how jealous I am that you live in an area that is not only filled with museums but with museums that let you take photos? Our one museum has docents crawling around it that snatch away your phone/camera if you even pull it out!) What’s interesting to me is that your reaction (female empowerment) is exactly the opposite of mine. I see a lot of bondage (compared to the freedom to move without limitation, flexibility, etc…), traditional female roles and forms, and shackles. And lots of “protection”- layers of shells, spikes, tentacles, etc. (perhaps to protect from violence- an interesting reaction to the last few years and the rise against violence towards women, maybe?) I love the way art brings out different reactions in different viewers. That’s what makes it a process of engagement rather than just a static thing.

    Reply
  • this is fascinating- (and can I just say how jealous I am that you live in an area that is not only filled with museums but with museums that let you take photos? Our one museum has docents crawling around it that snatch away your phone/camera if you even pull it out!) What’s interesting to me is that your reaction (female empowerment) is exactly the opposite of mine. I see a lot of bondage (compared to the freedom to move without limitation, flexibility, etc…), traditional female roles and forms, and shackles. And lots of “protection”- layers of shells, spikes, tentacles, etc. (perhaps to protect from violence- an interesting reaction to the last few years and the rise against violence towards women, maybe?) I love the way art brings out different reactions in different viewers. That’s what makes it a process of engagement rather than just a static thing.

    Reply
  • this is fascinating- (and can I just say how jealous I am that you live in an area that is not only filled with museums but with museums that let you take photos? Our one museum has docents crawling around it that snatch away your phone/camera if you even pull it out!) What’s interesting to me is that your reaction (female empowerment) is exactly the opposite of mine. I see a lot of bondage (compared to the freedom to move without limitation, flexibility, etc…), traditional female roles and forms, and shackles. And lots of “protection”- layers of shells, spikes, tentacles, etc. (perhaps to protect from violence- an interesting reaction to the last few years and the rise against violence towards women, maybe?) I love the way art brings out different reactions in different viewers. That’s what makes it a process of engagement rather than just a static thing.

    Reply
  • this is fascinating- (and can I just say how jealous I am that you live in an area that is not only filled with museums but with museums that let you take photos? Our one museum has docents crawling around it that snatch away your phone/camera if you even pull it out!) What’s interesting to me is that your reaction (female empowerment) is exactly the opposite of mine. I see a lot of bondage (compared to the freedom to move without limitation, flexibility, etc…), traditional female roles and forms, and shackles. And lots of “protection”- layers of shells, spikes, tentacles, etc. (perhaps to protect from violence- an interesting reaction to the last few years and the rise against violence towards women, maybe?) I love the way art brings out different reactions in different viewers. That’s what makes it a process of engagement rather than just a static thing.

    Reply
  • Thank you for posting this. It was a treat for the eyes!
    …and I know why you liked that particular piece because it look like you made it!!!!
    Maria

    Reply
  • Thank you for posting this. It was a treat for the eyes!
    …and I know why you liked that particular piece because it look like you made it!!!!
    Maria

    Reply
  • Thank you for posting this. It was a treat for the eyes!
    …and I know why you liked that particular piece because it look like you made it!!!!
    Maria

    Reply
  • Thank you for posting this. It was a treat for the eyes!
    …and I know why you liked that particular piece because it look like you made it!!!!
    Maria

    Reply
  • Thank you for posting this. It was a treat for the eyes!
    …and I know why you liked that particular piece because it look like you made it!!!!
    Maria

    Reply
  • Thank you for posting this. It was a treat for the eyes!
    …and I know why you liked that particular piece because it look like you made it!!!!
    Maria

    Reply
  • WOW is right! Lots of interesting details and lots of strong/war/playful(?)bondage images.

    Reply
  • WOW is right! Lots of interesting details and lots of strong/war/playful(?)bondage images.

    Reply
  • WOW is right! Lots of interesting details and lots of strong/war/playful(?)bondage images.

    Reply
  • WOW is right! Lots of interesting details and lots of strong/war/playful(?)bondage images.

    Reply
  • WOW is right! Lots of interesting details and lots of strong/war/playful(?)bondage images.

    Reply
  • WOW is right! Lots of interesting details and lots of strong/war/playful(?)bondage images.

    Reply
  • Stunning pieces! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  • Stunning pieces! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  • Stunning pieces! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  • Stunning pieces! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  • Stunning pieces! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  • Stunning pieces! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  • Thank you for sharing! Amazing exhibit!

    Reply
  • Thank you for sharing! Amazing exhibit!

    Reply
  • Thank you for sharing! Amazing exhibit!

    Reply
  • Thank you for sharing! Amazing exhibit!

    Reply
  • Thank you for sharing! Amazing exhibit!

    Reply
  • Thank you for sharing! Amazing exhibit!

    Reply
  • Outstanding! Love the shoes.

    Reply
  • Outstanding! Love the shoes.

    Reply
  • Outstanding! Love the shoes.

    Reply
  • Outstanding! Love the shoes.

    Reply
  • Outstanding! Love the shoes.

    Reply
  • Outstanding! Love the shoes.

    Reply
  • I love it when you show us museum stuff. But I really do not understand any of this art. Maybe I really do not “get” art. I think it is suppose to be self expression. And well, um, not sure what to think. But it probably does not matter actually. And there is just a lot to learn in life. Thanks again.

    Reply
  • I love it when you show us museum stuff. But I really do not understand any of this art. Maybe I really do not “get” art. I think it is suppose to be self expression. And well, um, not sure what to think. But it probably does not matter actually. And there is just a lot to learn in life. Thanks again.

    Reply
  • I love it when you show us museum stuff. But I really do not understand any of this art. Maybe I really do not “get” art. I think it is suppose to be self expression. And well, um, not sure what to think. But it probably does not matter actually. And there is just a lot to learn in life. Thanks again.

    Reply
  • I love it when you show us museum stuff. But I really do not understand any of this art. Maybe I really do not “get” art. I think it is suppose to be self expression. And well, um, not sure what to think. But it probably does not matter actually. And there is just a lot to learn in life. Thanks again.

    Reply
  • I love it when you show us museum stuff. But I really do not understand any of this art. Maybe I really do not “get” art. I think it is suppose to be self expression. And well, um, not sure what to think. But it probably does not matter actually. And there is just a lot to learn in life. Thanks again.

    Reply
  • I love it when you show us museum stuff. But I really do not understand any of this art. Maybe I really do not “get” art. I think it is suppose to be self expression. And well, um, not sure what to think. But it probably does not matter actually. And there is just a lot to learn in life. Thanks again.

    Reply
  • What am amazing exhibit! It’s like the unconventional materials challenge on Project Runway, but 1000 times better.

    Reply
  • What am amazing exhibit! It’s like the unconventional materials challenge on Project Runway, but 1000 times better.

    Reply
  • What am amazing exhibit! It’s like the unconventional materials challenge on Project Runway, but 1000 times better.

    Reply
  • What am amazing exhibit! It’s like the unconventional materials challenge on Project Runway, but 1000 times better.

    Reply
  • What am amazing exhibit! It’s like the unconventional materials challenge on Project Runway, but 1000 times better.

    Reply
  • What am amazing exhibit! It’s like the unconventional materials challenge on Project Runway, but 1000 times better.

    Reply
  • Well I think you need to come here to Aotearoa, New Zealand to see an actual WOW show. They are amazing.
    Then maybe you could run some classes. Perfect.

    Reply
  • Well I think you need to come here to Aotearoa, New Zealand to see an actual WOW show. They are amazing.
    Then maybe you could run some classes. Perfect.

    Reply
  • Well I think you need to come here to Aotearoa, New Zealand to see an actual WOW show. They are amazing.
    Then maybe you could run some classes. Perfect.

    Reply
  • Well I think you need to come here to Aotearoa, New Zealand to see an actual WOW show. They are amazing.
    Then maybe you could run some classes. Perfect.

    Reply
  • Well I think you need to come here to Aotearoa, New Zealand to see an actual WOW show. They are amazing.
    Then maybe you could run some classes. Perfect.

    Reply
  • Well I think you need to come here to Aotearoa, New Zealand to see an actual WOW show. They are amazing.
    Then maybe you could run some classes. Perfect.

    Reply
  • I thought your outfit looked pretty good amongst all of this mad wonder. I also appreciate your postings here. My world is a little limited with not being able to walk well yet. So any broadening of outlook is really great! Thank you so much.

    Reply
  • I thought your outfit looked pretty good amongst all of this mad wonder. I also appreciate your postings here. My world is a little limited with not being able to walk well yet. So any broadening of outlook is really great! Thank you so much.

    Reply
  • I thought your outfit looked pretty good amongst all of this mad wonder. I also appreciate your postings here. My world is a little limited with not being able to walk well yet. So any broadening of outlook is really great! Thank you so much.

    Reply
  • I thought your outfit looked pretty good amongst all of this mad wonder. I also appreciate your postings here. My world is a little limited with not being able to walk well yet. So any broadening of outlook is really great! Thank you so much.

    Reply
  • I thought your outfit looked pretty good amongst all of this mad wonder. I also appreciate your postings here. My world is a little limited with not being able to walk well yet. So any broadening of outlook is really great! Thank you so much.

    Reply
  • I thought your outfit looked pretty good amongst all of this mad wonder. I also appreciate your postings here. My world is a little limited with not being able to walk well yet. So any broadening of outlook is really great! Thank you so much.

    Reply
  • Thank you for widening our world with intrigueing and amazing photos!

    Reply
  • Thank you for widening our world with intrigueing and amazing photos!

    Reply
  • Thank you for widening our world with intrigueing and amazing photos!

    Reply
  • Thank you for widening our world with intrigueing and amazing photos!

    Reply
  • Thank you for widening our world with intrigueing and amazing photos!

    Reply
  • Thank you for widening our world with intrigueing and amazing photos!

    Reply

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