The idea of “less is more” does not apply to the costumes of Machine Dazzle. This is evident in the colorful and over-the-top creations on display in the artist’s solo debut at The Museum of Arts and Design,
Photo by Jenna Bascom. Courtesy the Museum of Arts and Design
To achieve a “queer maximalism” aesthetic, Flower takes the traditional elements of drag and burlesque costumes like sequins, glitter, and feathers, and mixes them with “fantastical and found objects, such as ping pong balls, hoop skirts, slinkies, soup cans, and more.” The blending of these items creates a new genre and “deepens the work’s narrative intent.” The effect of these striking and extravagant creations is a celebratory affirmation of queer identity, diverse bodies, and a rejection of the prejudices of cultural hierarchies.
The maximalist costumes on display in the exhibit at MAD have been worn by Machine Dazzle, his long-time collaborator Taylor Mac, and performers such as Mx Justin Vivian Bond. Spread throughout two floors of the Museum of Arts and Design, the exhibit highlights dozens of costumes created for the queer performance art concert production, Taylor Mac’sA 24-Decade History of Popular Music (2016), a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Drama. This exhibit is the first time those costumes will be on public display.
Photo by Jenna Bascom/Museum of Arts and DesignPhoto by Jenna Bascom/Museum of Arts and DesignPhoto by Jenna Bascom/Museum of Arts and Design
Accompanying the costumes there are “environments, ephemera, material samples, photography, and video” that all come together to illustrate the evolution of Flower “from a closeted suburban kid from Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, to “Machine Dazzle,” the queer experimental theater genius.”
Photo by Jenna Bascom/Museum of Arts and Design
You can tour this explosive new exhibit with the artist on February 4th! This artist-led tour is free for Untapped New York Insiders. Please be aware that some of the works on view contain adult sexual content. Not an Insider yet? Become a member today and get your first month free by using code JOINUS.
