The Material Revolution

#TMR - Episode 10 - New Methods + Practices = Reimagining Sewing Through Performance - Agente Costura - Lisa Simpson

April 08, 2021 Katherine Soucie Episode 10
#TMR - Episode 10 - New Methods + Practices = Reimagining Sewing Through Performance - Agente Costura - Lisa Simpson
The Material Revolution
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The Material Revolution
#TMR - Episode 10 - New Methods + Practices = Reimagining Sewing Through Performance - Agente Costura - Lisa Simpson
Apr 08, 2021 Episode 10
Katherine Soucie

This episode is a conversation with Berlin based artist and performer, Lisa Simpson and her performative sewing and textile research practice. Her alternative approach to upcycling the discarded and second hand clothing began in Brazil where she established Agente Costura.  A signature feature to Lisa’s work is in how she uses the Singer sewing machine as a musical instrument. 


The nature of her practice is motivated by her love of sewing which is brought to life in her studio, though her materials/tools and in her performances.   Our discussion addresses improvisation and how this informs her ability to adapt and create with the varying materials, musicians/performers and communities she collaborates with.  Our conversation also highlights the Maskerade Brigade, a project she initiated 
 in response to the pandemic. 
 

 For more information on our guest: 

Lisa Simpson has been playing the Singer, a sewing machine, since 2003. In the daytime she tackles unwanted clothing, pins them down and cuts them up, transforming them into new wearable shapes. By transforming wardrobes she is questioning contemporary consumption habits, bringing forth a discussion around the sustainability of the fashion industry. At nighttime the Singer joins her fellow musicians and Lisa sews to the beat of the music, improvising on clothing based on rhythm and sound. The prepared sewing machine is amplified to become a musical instrument and layers of sound are looped as layers of fabric are stitched together, creating a dreamlike soundscape, enhanced by self built wearable oscillators and feedback machines.


Lisa has a Bachelor degree in Visual Arts from Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, a Master of Applied Arts degree from Emily Carr University of Art and Design, and is currently enrolled in the Art in Context program at Universität der Künste Berlin. She has performed extensively on an international level, including Goethe Institut Jakarta, Schneidertempel Istanbul, The Vancouver Art Gallery, the Month of Performance Art- Berlin, Museum der Fünf Kontinente Munich, the Bimhuis Amsterdam, Curitiba Fashion Week, among others. Lisa currently lives and works in Berlin, and is involved in a range of different projects in collaboration with artists and interested audiences.




Websites: www.agentecostura.art

                       www.maskeradebrigade.com


IG: https://www.instagram.com/agentecostura/?hl=en


FB: https://www.facebook.com/agentecostura

#TMR

The Material Revolution:   http://thematerialrevolution.com

contact us: info@materialrevolution.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/the.material.revolution/

The podcast is independently developed and produced.  It is through your support that will help us continue to create meaningful and impactful content.
     
 Patreon page to make pledge:  https://www.patreon.com/thematerialrevolution
   
 Music by: Interior Design https://interiordesignmusic.bandcamp.com



Show Notes

This episode is a conversation with Berlin based artist and performer, Lisa Simpson and her performative sewing and textile research practice. Her alternative approach to upcycling the discarded and second hand clothing began in Brazil where she established Agente Costura.  A signature feature to Lisa’s work is in how she uses the Singer sewing machine as a musical instrument. 


The nature of her practice is motivated by her love of sewing which is brought to life in her studio, though her materials/tools and in her performances.   Our discussion addresses improvisation and how this informs her ability to adapt and create with the varying materials, musicians/performers and communities she collaborates with.  Our conversation also highlights the Maskerade Brigade, a project she initiated 
 in response to the pandemic. 
 

 For more information on our guest: 

Lisa Simpson has been playing the Singer, a sewing machine, since 2003. In the daytime she tackles unwanted clothing, pins them down and cuts them up, transforming them into new wearable shapes. By transforming wardrobes she is questioning contemporary consumption habits, bringing forth a discussion around the sustainability of the fashion industry. At nighttime the Singer joins her fellow musicians and Lisa sews to the beat of the music, improvising on clothing based on rhythm and sound. The prepared sewing machine is amplified to become a musical instrument and layers of sound are looped as layers of fabric are stitched together, creating a dreamlike soundscape, enhanced by self built wearable oscillators and feedback machines.


Lisa has a Bachelor degree in Visual Arts from Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, a Master of Applied Arts degree from Emily Carr University of Art and Design, and is currently enrolled in the Art in Context program at Universität der Künste Berlin. She has performed extensively on an international level, including Goethe Institut Jakarta, Schneidertempel Istanbul, The Vancouver Art Gallery, the Month of Performance Art- Berlin, Museum der Fünf Kontinente Munich, the Bimhuis Amsterdam, Curitiba Fashion Week, among others. Lisa currently lives and works in Berlin, and is involved in a range of different projects in collaboration with artists and interested audiences.




Websites: www.agentecostura.art

                       www.maskeradebrigade.com


IG: https://www.instagram.com/agentecostura/?hl=en


FB: https://www.facebook.com/agentecostura

#TMR

The Material Revolution:   http://thematerialrevolution.com

contact us: info@materialrevolution.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/the.material.revolution/

The podcast is independently developed and produced.  It is through your support that will help us continue to create meaningful and impactful content.
     
 Patreon page to make pledge:  https://www.patreon.com/thematerialrevolution
   
 Music by: Interior Design https://interiordesignmusic.bandcamp.com