Art, circulating differently
Sets to wear, transform and display
La matrice emblématique de la marque Tana Kim (un même patron décliné en un sac et une jupe trapèze) est investie par l’artiste associé Michel Clouin, puis les pièces sont confectionnées par la créatrice du concept, Nathalie Tardif.
The diptych becomes paintings — through an artistic transformation protocol.
Fragments are taken from the set and stretched over frames.
The offcut, what remains of the set, is also transformed: it keeps the trace of what was worn while giving the work a functional use once again.
Art is displayed and transformed in motion, in everyday life and in space.
About
Visual artist
About
Creator of Tana Kim
“Tana brings together the first two letters of my surname and my first name, and echoes a personal stylistic and artistic adventure that lasted ten years.
This adventure began with the search to create a functional, timeless, effective, elegant and original outfit — easy to combine with plain basics, and that I could craft myself in upholstery fabric. The signature matrix with its clean lines emerged as inevitable after deconstructing complex prototypes. A trapeze skirt and an XL hobo bag met every criterion.
With this pattern, I made and wore around a hundred ensembles, in fabrics mostly sourced second-hand or gifted. Others were made with canvases painted by visual artist Michel Clouin, or with fabrics printed from his digital paintings. I named this experience “Égotrip 167-40” (my measurements). It then became a collective, collaborative and artistic experience: the pattern is now offered in seven sizes, in upholstery fabric or in printed or painted works, with one piece per size and per fabric.”
“Kim, in memory of my paternal grandmother, who bore this name, of her story, of its generational resonances.
The unique pattern symbolises this name, this guide, this silent heritage, these precious transmissions: it is there so as not to forget, for the traces of history fade, distort, transform.
The repeated use of the same pattern questions the stories that repeat themselves, while paradoxically, each ensemble is unique and tells a different story, open to the world without being able to forget its origins.”
The monogram: two letters that meet, that support each other to become a sign, a signature. In its construction, it draws from an Asian aesthetic of clean lines, balance and simplicity. An echo of the name Kim, without seeking to reproduce a traditional symbol. Simple, recognisable and timeless, it accompanies Tana Kim pieces on the textiles. Two letters, an encounter, a graphic gesture.
A conviction made real
Painted artworks, crafted to be worn, transformed and displayed
