Pari Dukovic’s Ballet & Fashion Photographs Debut at VISU Contemporary
VISU Contemporary, a Miami Beach-based gallery spotlighting contemporary fine art, is set to debut the exhibition "Pari Dukovic: En Pointe - Dance & Fashion."
Gareth Pugh on Mimi Staker, ©Pari Dukovic
Running from October through November, the showcase will feature 25 photographs by award-winning photographer Pari Dukovic, marking the first time these works will be displayed in a gallery. The collection highlights a decade of fashion designs created for the New York City Ballet (NYCB)’s Fall Fashion Gala, conceived by Sarah Jessica Parker in 2012. The images capture the artistry of couture costumes designed by nearly 30 high-fashion designers for the NYCB, including a never-before-seen outtake from the 2023 Rizzoli book New York City Ballet: Choreography & Couture.
Carolina Herrera on Chun Wai Chan, ©Pari Dukovic
Dukovic’s portraits feature 11 renowned dancers of the NYCB wearing designs by prominent names in fashion, including Thom Browne, Iris van Herpen, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, and the late Virgil Abloh. The striking photographs combine color and movement, encapsulating the elegance and physical strength of the dancers alongside the intricate details of the haute couture costumes. VISU Contemporary will be the first to offer these works for sale, exclusively through the gallery.
Virgil Abloh on Christopher Grant, ©Pari Dukovic
The exhibition’s highlights include images of NYCB dancers in Thom Browne’s tailored suits, Iris van Herpen’s reflective designs, Sarah Burton’s intricate gowns, and Virgil Abloh’s ruched tulle creations. Other featured designers include Prabal Gurung, Carolina Herrera, Valentino, Narciso Rodriguez, and Zac Posen, whose work reflects the synergy between fashion and dance.
Gallery co-owner Bruce Halpryn expressed excitement about the exhibit, saying, "We are thrilled to curate and host this captivating exhibition featuring Pari Dukovic’s amazing fine art photography of the world’s most gorgeous dancers wearing the glamorous handmade designs of some of the most noted high-fashion designers."
Zac Posen on Mimi Staker, ©Pari Dukovic
Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, ©Pari Dukovic
Dukovic commented on the transition from book to gallery walls, stating, “Taking these images off the page and onto the gallery walls allows me to see them with a fresh vision on a grander scale, where the artistry they capture becomes larger than life.” He further emphasized the inspiration drawn from iconic figures such as Muybridge, Steichen, Matisse, and Boccioni, noting the blend of athleticism and design that defines the images.