Soup Session by Chris Snik
invited by research group Art & Ecology
Tuesday 21 November 2023, 12:30-14:00
at the Research Room, Academy
"My research Character through Coupe. Towards an Integrated Costume Design Method at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, explores an integrated costume design method where all components of making a performance are of equal importance. The performer and costume designer construct and embody the character together. Costume and embodiment intertwine and need each other to bring a story to life. The costume is developed on the unique performers’ body through coupe. Costumes with a good fit are not possible without coupe, which can give the right accents to body shapes and thus construct a character.
I share my findings and observations from the workshop with students from the Dance Department of the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp and Labo Inclusive (dancers with physical and mental disabilities) on the one hand, and from the rehearsals for my performance together with three performers on the other. To show that the work of the costume designer and performer melt together in fitting, making, dressing, and performing.
Then I provide an insight and explanation of the different phases in a making process to clarify the importance of coupe of all the crafts that are involved in an integrated costume design process.
Finally, I will share my ideas and open a dialogue on the relevance of this integrated design process in the work field and in different study programs."
Chris Snik (°1970) graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp in 1996, in costume design. In 1997 she obtained a postgraduate degree in scenography also in Antwerp. As a costume designer Chris is among others inspired by literature, current affairs, fashion, and art. Revealing the character of the performer by (de)forming the body of the performer she observes the performers and uses her love for materials and making techniques in designing. For her is close collaboration with the performers and the rest of the team is important in the creative making process. Chris works as a costume designer for various theatre, dance performances and film projects. Besides her work as a costume designer, Chris teaches and is head of the Costume design department at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp.
www.chrissnik.com