Nick Cave: Moving Towards the Fantastic

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NICK CAVE IS A FIBER ARTIST, PERFORMANCE AND CONCEPTUAL ARTIST. Transcending class, race and sexuality, Cave’s fantastic costumes completely conceal him in a shamanistic, protective covering. He has been quoted: ‘I believe that the familiar must move towards the fantastic. I want to evoke feelings that are unnamed, that aren’t realized except in dreams.’ His work, which builds upon the collective power found in historic African ceremonial costumes, Mardi Gras and Carnival costumes—is powerful art of this day. Cave calls his works “Sound Suits” because of the sound his costumes makes when he performs.

Cave, who studied fiber arts at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, is Associate Professor and Chairman of the Fashion Department at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.