Artist and educator Susan Cianciolo, a pivotal figure in New York's independent fashion scene during the 1990s, is set to curate a distinctive booth at the upcoming Outsider Art Fair. Many recognize her from her frequent appearances as a model in fashion presentations by friends and former students, including notable designers such as Eckhaus Latta and Maryam Nassir Zadeh.
Cianciolo's journey began three decades ago, with her label 'Run' active from 1995 to 2001. During this period, New York City was a grittier landscape, and her approach to fashion mirrored this raw energy. She often sought out unconventional and abandoned spaces for her shows, deliberately diverging from the conventional fashion presentations of the era. For instance, 'Run 6' unfolded in a parking garage, while another event graced Lady Mendel's Tea Salon, where models served chocolate truffles crafted from a cherished family recipe. A defining characteristic of the 'Run' collections was their highly collaborative nature, with Cianciolo emphasizing: "We meticulously crafted everything by hand, fostering a communal environment akin to a sewing circle, where diverse individuals contributed their skills." The eleventh and final 'Run' collection, titled 'Run Store,' debuted in New York in 2000 and subsequently in Paris in 2001, imbued with a surrealist essence.
For the Outsider Art Fair, Cianciolo is breathing new life into the 'Run Home' concept, inviting 44 fellow artists and friends to contribute objects for sale. These unique creations, ranging from a chair by SC103 to a stool from Cianciolo's personal collection, will be priced between $50 and $10,000. Cianciolo carefully selected participants, comprising past collaborators, as well as current and former students, by surveying her own home and considering the artists whose work she admired and those whose pieces were often difficult for the public to access. She deliberately focused on ensuring each item was a one-off creation, establishing a cohesive theme throughout the collection. When asked about the guidance she provided to her collaborators, Cianciolo explained that she was curating a booth in the spirit of the 2001 'Run Store.' She envisioned it as a surrealist retail space situated within a disused storefront, simultaneously serving as a performance piece and an extension of her inner world.
The term "outsider" is frequently used to describe Cianciolo's work, often as a synonym for independent. The artist has consistently resisted categorization, finding immense satisfaction in the reconnections forged through her current project. She mused, "It's quite amusing how working with artists—we are all so unconventional, distinct, and humorous." She recognizes anew that these relationships are what she values most in life, as an artist herself. While acknowledging a degree of nostalgia in this revival, Cianciolo views this iteration of 'Run Store' as a fresh venture, seamlessly integrating elements of the past into the present. In a world often fraught with challenges, Cianciolo believes that a shared "energy of love" unites those present and those who have passed on. She asserts, "I personally feel that all we have to hold onto right now is that word, L-O-V-E, that feeling, that energy. I would say that's what this project embodies." The Outsider Art Fair, featuring Cianciolo's curated booth, will take place at the Metropolitan Pavilion from March 19 to 22.