KINGDOM - 2019-2020

Rad Hourani’s gowns probes into the complex relationship between dress, power and identity. The clothing we wear is a direct reflection of who we are, and where we stand in society. Spanning centuries, royalty have set a dressing standard for their subjects to adhere to, and an unattainable standard to set themselves above others. Different cuts and textiles served, and continue to serve as socio-political markers, setting women and men, rich and poor apart. Rad Hourani creates an assortment of 7 neutral sculptures to render his vision of a world lead by a united conscious structure.

Although clothing is what allows for categorization, whether it is class or gender, Rad Hourani’s vision is one of neutrality. By using noble materials such as fine silks, velvet, or textile adorned with sequins, all made out of 30 meters of said fine materials each, the garments appear as ceremonial vestments, both alien and familiar, ancient artifact converging with architectural form, intimidating by their splendor. Not unlike the royal gowns of yore, Rad Hourani’s neutral ensembles instills a sense of intrigue and respect amongst the viewers.

Nonetheless, his vision introduces a neutral ruling class, secular and unidentifiable: the sculptures are created in his signature genderless anatomy that erases and encompass both genders, accessorized with masks that conceals the identity of the wearer. By veiling all human identifiers, the ensembles present themselves as cryptic entities, powerful and transcendent. It is the lack of identity that makes the pieces all the more powerful: fear of the unknown and the incomprehensible, what is beyond human, is the mightiest tool of control.

GREARTH – 2019-2020

HAND MADE OF APPROX. 30 METERS OF 100% SILK ( VARIABLE DIMENSIONS ) EDITION 1/1

PUREPLE – 2019-2020

HAND MADE OF APPROX. 30 METERS OF 100% SILK ( VARIABLE DIMENSIONS ) EDITION 1/1

EVERBLACK – 2019-2020

HAND MADE OF APPROX. 30 METERS OF 100% SILK ( VARIABLE DIMENSIONS ) EDITION 1/1

BLUSEA – 2019-2020

HAND MADE OF APPROX. 30 METERS OF 100% SILK ( VARIABLE DIMENSIONS ) EDITION 1/1

PERFORMANCE at Fonderie Darling - 2020

Since 2007, Rad Hourani applies principles of architecture in inventing his gender neutral patterns and works from the visceral premise of how each costume will move through the wearer. Therefore, the filmed ensembles were crafted with movement in mind, and their transformative nature fully showcased through a choreographed performance, to allows the sculptures to evolve through dance. The implications of dance and its tribal roots allow for the body to be liberated from any constraints of dress and culture. As such, panels open up to allow the performers legs to spread, arms to raise in commanding gestures, moving up and down, in and out. While ceremonial togas and robes often restrict the wearer’s movement, Rad's gowns, coming alive, represent a liberated way to live and allow the wearer to feel as though they are their own ruler.

Through ritualistic expression, dance allows for energy to manifest in the performer, and for them to embody it. The hands move simply and steadily through forms that are boundless in their meaning yet suggest a fixed symbolism through their aesthetic and delivery. We leave the interpretation of these non-conventionalized and non-religious-specific gestures up to the viewer to manifest both individualistic thought and the realization of the power of personal expression beyond formal ritual. As the choreography progresses, we begin to notice the dancers’ controlled, stiff behavior loosen, creating a narrative of evolution and liberation. As the dancers’ energy flows through each other, their authority fades, nobility transforms into union of knowledge, hinting towards a more humanitarian ideal.

2:00 MIN WATCH PERFORMANCE