Les Bosquets

In 2013, NYC Ballet began its now annual “Art Series” wherein the ballet invites an artist to collaborate with the company. During its second year in 2014, French artist JR was invited. JR uses paper and glue to affix photographic portraits on public spaces around the world, allowing people who either do not frequent or do not have access to museums to experience art directly within their community. In terms of costumes for Les Bosquets, JR wanted to integrate his typical medium: halftone images printed on paper. I was charged with sourcing paper-like materials to build the costumes worn by Lauren Lovette + Lil’ Buck. We ended up using Tyvek (the material hazmat suits are made from) because it drapes similarly to paper but is much more durable. The full-body leotards worn by the ensemble were custom printed on spandex fabric I sourced, and carefully cut by our drapers to compose a pair of eyes when the dancers stood side-by-side. The costumes were also worn by dancers of the Paris Opéra Ballet in JR’s short film by the same title. Both works tell the story of the 2005 riots in the outskirts of Paris.