Interview with Art Garments' founder

If you are interested in fashion and art, Art Garments is the Instagram account for you.

You know that Tumblr-like images you can find on the Web, which zoom in on a very particular or very cool detail of a painting, for example a flower in a hand or the pearl earring of a lady? Well, you can find a lot of beautiful examples of those on Art Garments.

I like this project so much that I decided to contact the account's founder to get some more information about it. 

#1 What made you decide to create Art Garments and how did the project evolve?

I started Art Garments at first out of love and curiosity about art and fashion. I am fascinated by fashion history and wanted to study the ways certain garments and accessories were rendered in painting, and the ways trends ebb and flow throughout history. I also wanted to create a database of ready images so I could study them side by side, such as "necklaces in art" or "gloves in art." I use hashtags very consciously.

#2 Where do you find all the images you use for Art Garments?

I do considerable research through museums and online databases for Art Garments.

#3 What do you think about the relationship between art and social networks? Do you think your Instagram account could be an “information medium” to get art closer to people?

I definitely think Art Garments is a way to bring people closer to art, and to show details that the eye doesn't necessarily catch on first (or second or third!) glance. It also makes art so much more accessible and brings it to a more personal space - personally, I love the idea of studying art in private, focusing on works at my own pace and without the confines of a public space. I find Instagram a supremely positive and supportive medium.

#4 In your opinion, which is the most glamorous artist or/and historic period?

I am an art omnivore and it's so difficult to choose one period on which to focus! With Art Garments, I include fashion from all periods. I am always excited by the drama of Baroque painting, the sharp contrasts in color, the ruff collars and ruffled cuffs in the work of Anthony van Dyck, for instance. Rococo fashion is always a feast for the eyes and an inspiration, with its lush embellishments and detail. The portraits of Louise Elisabeth Vigee-Lebrun are breathtaking. Belle Époque fashion is so elegant and luxurious. Giovanni Boldini's work is always a favorite. Generally, the details and craftsmanship of the garments always excite me and make the project joyous.