Hair models

Maurizio Anzeri’s work is intriguing – he creates life-size sculptures that look precariously like ghostly visions of the past. The interesting thing, is not just the fact his handcrafted work is so intricately detailed, but that these stand-alone sculptures are made solely out of synthetic hair.

late at night

Source: © Maurizio Anzeri/Vauxhall Motors

Late at night

Now when it comes to synthetic hair the most creative thing I can think of is to add a clip to it – and voila – instant wag-like hair extensions. But, Anzeri has chosen to take on the material, painstakingly stitching, embroidering and crocheting it together to develop something entirely different.

© Maurizio Anzeri/Vauxhall Motors

Source: © Maurizio Anzeri/Vauxhall Motors

After receiving the 2010 Vauxhall Collective bursary for his work, I spoke to the larger than life Italian as he prepares to spend the summer hidden away in his studio to create new hair statues for his exhibition – The Garden Party – which pays homage to the idea of British diversity and is set to launch this October at London’s Q art space.

Ghost of a chance

Source: © Maurizio Anzeri/Vauxhall Motors

Ghost of a chance

It comes as no surprise that the Slade School Fine Arts graduate has collaborated with the likes of the late Alexander McQueen and Isabella Blow. Both fashionistas, influenced his attitude to his work.

‘It was a crazy working environment and felt like I was in a crystal bubble where there were no rules. They taught me how to not care and do exactly as what I want to do,’ he explains.

I will buy the flowers myself

Source: © Maurizio Anzeri/Vauxhall Motors

I will buy the flowers myself

It seems this is why the medium of hair suits Anzeri’s haute couture style as, he says, ‘the outcome of the sculpture is always in a convoluted fashion. Hair can be a temperamental material and while I can stitch it together it always reacts in the way it wants to.’

Little Blue

Source: © Maurizio Anzeri/Vauxhall Motors

Little Blue

Even though Anzeri is keeping his latest work on the down low, I for one can’t wait to see what interesting characters he develops.  You can be assured that The Garden Party will have some remarkable guests of honour – we’ll just have to watch this space.

The Garden Party from 1-31 October at Q Art, 5-8 Lower John Street, London W1F

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