Tension of Attention, a SCAD Fibers MFA Thesis exhibition by Christine Moore, culminates two years of textile research and development. The exhibition includes an 8 look womenswear collection, digital print collection, and large scale knit swatches. Throughout the exhibition, the intention is to create moments of sublimity to regain visibility. By evoking feelings of the sublime, Moore is deconstructing, as Carol Tulloch describes, the “aesthetics of invisibility.” Each piece is a statement of purpose that “I am here, I exist.” By using maximalist aesthetics to display moments of awe and wonder, Moore pushes the idea of existing beyond expectations and limits, while creating visual tension. With highlighting color, texture, shine and other subjects of maximalism, she combats the discrimination of the concepts that Black people use to regain visibility. This work shows that there is nuance, sophistication, and beauty with the use of maximalism within Black culture.
About the artist: Christine Moore is a fashion and textile designer based in New York City. Using color, texture, and patterns, she creates moments of sublimity with every collection by using maximalist aesthetics. Displaying the nuance and sophistication within Black culture, Christine’s designs exist beyond expectations and push limits to the point of tension, whether emotional or visual to create spectacles and reclaim Black identity. Realizing that she wanted to develop her technical skills along with refining her design aesthetic, she attended Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia, PA (2018-2022), where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Art in Fashion Design, with a minor in Textile Design. Here is where she first used a knitting machine, which opened her mind to new ways to design and sculpt on the body using texture and soft materials. Wanting to further explore the possibilities of machine knitting and knitwear, Christine gained a Master of Fine Art in Fibers from Savannah College of Art & Design (2022-2024). Her time at SCAD allowed her to experiment and refine her artistry and design philosophy. Christine’s work has been featured in Adi Oasis’ Red to Violet music video and used for the 2022 Moore College of Art & Design’s Senior Fashion Show press materials. She also received two honorable mentions at the 2023 International Design Awards and held her first solo exhibition, The Tension of Attention, in 2024.
Thursday, May 30, 5-8pm: Opening Reception
Friday, May 31, 1-3pm: Open Hours
Image Caption: Christine Moore, The Tension of Attention, 2023, carbon fiber weaving