“GET IN THE HAZE” explores the controversial relationship between fashion and contemporary art, taking a bold look at an innovative generation that is not afraid of this hybridization.
The old dividing lines between artists and designers seem to be dissolving and fading away. The breadth of investigation and inspiration they share is the fullest to date, and richly faceted in perspective. The project embraces a new sense of aesthetics involving both artists and fashion designers, with the challenge of staging the visual impact of these interrelations of contemporary culture.

Recognizing that form carries meaning, many designers have chosen to investi- gate the messages they create. This shift of parameters has enabled designers to think in terms of a concept. Partly, this is related to self-expression, but more importantly it concerns taking responsibility for the broader ramifications of design. The works of the best of today’s designers display self-awareness and, at times, political intent. Above all, designers have developed a keen sense of criticism, and work within what is best described as a culture of ideas. And artists today demonstrate a greater interest in other disciplines as well, such as design per se and how it has penetrated our popular and visual culture. Added to this is a strong desire to explore the situational and relational aspects of making objects, installations, and environments. Such works rely heavily on the designed object and require the direct participation of the public.

In this time of cultural fluidity, artists and designers are increasingly exploring each others’ strategies. To further compound matters, some practitioners work in colla- boration with their counterparts’ disciplines, while others simply do not wish to be cate- gorized in any one camp. Over and above any questions of definition, what is shared by these creators is an interest in questioning life, by exploring and experimenting with contemporary culture at all levels.

This exhibition reflects the encounter between art, performance, fashion, architecture, and music, conceiving a world of boundless freedom where art and design are pushed beyond any barriers, leaving space for a more organic, visionary mode of expression. Getting in the haze brings a confusion of impressions, making us live a misty and holistic experience of this delightful collision.

The selected creators present the best known, emerging, award-winning, and most widely publicized international creative talent, representing outstanding examples of individuality, cutting-edge vision, and fearless enthusiasm.

^{Lliure Briz}

^{Sandra Hofmeister
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