The Tutussie x TongTong Deng solo exhibition, held on September 20th, 2023, at the Tutussie store on Brook Street, London, showcased six captivating artworks by TongTong Deng.
Her works drew inspiration from diverse facets of fashion culture, including Jacquemus, traditional Mawashi worn by sumo wrestlers, and 1980s East Asia.
Tutussie complemented these artworks with clothing that mirrored these inspirations, creating a compelling dialogue between art and fashion.
Tongtong’s work “Summer Pool” referenced a transparent bright striped dress from Jacquemus’ summer 2020 collection. By incorporating modern clothing into a dreamlike scene, the painting explores themes of body and self-expression, giving the dress new interpretation and vitality. This piece also received recognition and a repost from designer Jacquemus himself.
Art and fashion have a long, intertwined history, continuously influencing each other. TongTong’s choice of clothing in her paintings reflects their evolution alongside societal changes. Both art and fashion serve as powerful forms of cultural commentary, addressing issues of identity, gender, politics, and social transformation.
In response to TongTong’s works, Tutussie featured its own silk collection. Additionally, modern Japanese menswear and a colorful Pann summer series were presented, each reflecting themes explored in TongTong’s art.
This creates a dynamic dialogue, evoking emotional responses and intellectual curiosity, making the exhibition a resonant experience for attendees.