Pan's Labyrinth

I came across the film, Pan's Labyrinth in my library search for fantasy films and even though it is in Spanish I thought it was worth a look. This film was not what I expected, but surprisingly very enjoyable. The plot was more to do with the Spanish Civil War however a fantasy plot was running alongside; not for the minds of children. There was also very violet scenes of torture and blood where even I had to look away!

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is the latest fantasy film to hit the cinema and was rated at the age 12 and above, therefore not at fantasy story for children. This has come to my attention that quite a few fantasy films now are aimed at adults. At the begining of the film the characters are attracting drunk young men and women outside a pub to watch their show which portrays they are targeting an older viewer.

The Age of Marvellous

The Age of Marvellous really inspired me, the exhibition was set out like a maze at first with black draped curtains and in every room was various creations. The creations support my fantasy trend, the darker side, the more mystical/magical tale. Within the exhibition was a range of taxidermy, animal like creatures and religious symbols.

Wonderland

The Wonderland Exhibition was based at the Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green. All the exhibitors were print makers from East London who had all taken on the theme of Fairytales and Myths. What I liked about the exhibition was the different use of techniques including lino print, collage, photography, screen print, monoprint and inks.

Telling Tales

'Telling Tales' is exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum and showcases furniture designed by new generation designers. The exhibition is split into three sections but only one section really took my interest, The Forest Glade. Within the Forest Glade the designers have been inspired by the themes of fairytales, myths and nature. The designers that have inspired me most are Jurgen Bey, Tord Boontje and Kelly McCallum. Tord Boontje created the 'Fig Leaf' wardrobe pictured above while Jurgen Bey designed a bed taken from Little Red Riding Hood.

Stella McCartney A/W 09

The most recent Stella McCartney advertisements back up my fairytale/fantasy trend I have discovered from seeing the 'Once Viewed From Afar' exhibition. I also like the contrast of the fantasy location with the animated 'Bambi' characters.

Once Viewed From Afar

I came across the work of Sarah Crew by chance in a little exhibition space at the back of Dover Street. Sarah Crew uses stuffed foxes in different scenarios to tackle ecological issues. What I took for Sarah's work was the idea of story-telling, I found the use of the foxes in the countryside with this little girl similar to little red riding hood almost like a fairytale.

Andrea Zittel's 'Smockshop'

The first part of my trend hunt began in the West End where I visited Andrea Zittel's 'Smockshop'. Non-commercial artists generate income from selling their designs through the 'Smockshop'. Every smock has the same basic shape however with unique designs using colours, textures and patterns on each.

What I found inspiring about the smocks is that because they all had the basic shape the garments looked customized using pens, inks and textile techniques.