Jo Cope
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Jo Cope is an artist, lecturer and alumni of the London Collage of Fashion where she studied her Masters in Fashion Artefacts. Crossing the boundaries of Fashion, Art, Craft and Performance Jo's work draws inspiration from universal human experiences, psychology, philosophy and social trends.
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For over a decade her work has been represented at a diverse range of prestigious events worldwide; including the Venice Biennale Design Festival, London Craft Week and Fashion Matters at Buckingham Palace.
THE ARTIST
Jo Cope
Love Triangle
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"Jo Cope's work raises questions that enable you to recognise things that were perhaps always there. Is it ever what it truly seems?
The cross over between Art and fashion is the exact example of Wearable Art. Sculpture and fashion embodied into one object, and sculpture. Fashion originally was always a form of expression for fashion designers, the inner and outer becomes one.
Jo Cope captures perfectly the embodiment of Art being a form of expression whether wearable or sculpted, you recognise the importance and significant of the Shoe to be more than simply a shoe, yet representing so much more.
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Love Triangle is a great example of this, recognising not all is what it seems it questions relationships, human interaction, emotions, love and connection. Jo's work visually represents so much more than what it visually appears to be, enabling the viewer to reflect internally and question society with clear transparency.
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Jo's work explores the concept of Anticlone, embracing what is contemporary whilst maintaining an interest for traditional footwear and design. " - Sade English
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Jo Cope
Moving Forward
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Jo Cope's unique shoe artworks have been exhibited internationally at top museums including: The Budapest Museum of Art, State Museum Russia and Decorative Arts Museum Paris. Jo's classes her work as focused on 'The Human Side of Fashion' she believes that clothing is not just an extension of the body but of the inner self.
“The objective is to use fashion as a vessel to explore the notion of being human” In her most recent project 'Shoes Have Names' she curated an exhibition which bought together 10 shoe designers with 10 individuals who had survived homelessness, a collaboration with Shelter Charity.
Jo Cope's conceptual practice constantly pushes the formal boundaries of fashion questioning its evolving role within art and society.
THE PROCESS
Jo Cope
Human Race
2019
Jo Cope
Human Race
2019
Jo Cope had the constant desire for a higher craft finish within her practice, where hands-on making could be at one with conceptual thinking. Having a vision for creating 3D objects that could not be cloned, nor visually existed in her visual interpretation, majority of her 3D skills are all self-taught.
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Not allowing anything to limit Jo's evolution, she explored all of her concepts from start to end with clear solid goals and foundations for each design.
Human Race
Fashion has a similarity to skin as a superficial shelter
Looking at relationships between colour psychology, fashion and race
Handcrafted in Leather and Wood
Jo Cope
Lessons in Love
Jo Cope
Lessons in Love
Human Experience and Art are two foundations that are consistent with each Sculpture Jo creates. Interaction with her works is crucial, and is a dynamic which the Arts industry puts across as somewhat too intimate, unless initiated.
To look at work is to to not touch, but to feel and imagine, however being able to see Jo's work in mvoememtn as well as being close to the work is always a treasured moment between both Artist and viewer.
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The lessons of love explored through symbolic actions
Hand Crafted double ended shoes become a vessel for real human experiences, explored through craft and performance.
Jo Cope
Full Circle
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