From May 17 to May 19, the Swiss Church in Covent Garden will host “Beyond the Art of Craft,” the first major solo exhibition in the UK by Argentinian milliner and artist Nikole Tursi. This exhibition will showcase seven of Tursi’s latest pieces, highlighting her unique craftsmanship and innovative use of materials.
Tursi’s work blends fashion, art, and sculpture. Her creations incorporate diverse materials, such as vintage trimmings and architectural model components, resulting in pieces that are distinct and visually striking.
One of the key pieces in the exhibition is “Mercurius,” a winged character representing the freedom of the mind. This ensemble, created using couture and millinery techniques, features fabric petals and leaves shaped with antique millinery instruments. Each detail is meticulously sealed with fire, lending the piece a sense of both fragility and resilience. The feathers, with their intricate textures and soft hues, evoke a sense of ethereal beauty and otherworldliness.
Another significant piece is a body piece inspired by the dandelion, developed in collaboration with botanical artist Daniel The Gardener. This creation combines botanical illustrations with Tursi’s techniques, producing an ethereal and nature-inspired piece. The delicate structure of the dandelion is rendered in fine, gauzy fabrics and intricate embroidery, capturing the fleeting, airy nature of the plant. This piece is a harmonious blend of botanical art and wearable sculpture, inviting viewers to appreciate the transient beauty of nature.
The exhibition will also display collaborative works previously exhibited in Buenos Aires. These include “Flora” and “Fauno,” wearable ensembles from the 2019 REIN|OS exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts. Created with sculptor Celina Saubidet and designer Marina Molinelli from Cabinet Óseo, these pieces emphasize texture and sculptural quality. “Flora” features organic shapes and rich, layered textiles that mimic the complexity of natural forms, while “Fauno” combines earthy tones and bold structures to evoke a sense of mythical elegance.
Tursi’s artistic journey began in Argentina at the Teatron Colón in Buenos Aires, where she worked in the Costume Atelier. Her work there included costumes for operas and ballets, blending theatre and haute couture. In 2019, she received the Mi Oficio, Mi Historia Prize in Argentina, recognizing her talent and innovation.
Since relocating to London, Tursi has handcrafted pieces for Burberry and contributed to projects including the MET Gala. She was selected for the British Crafts Council’s HOTHOUSE 2020 program and joined the British Hat Guild in 2021. In 2023, she became a member of the Michelangelo Foundation, and in April 2024, she was chosen to join the Royal Ascot Millinery Collective.
“Beyond the Art of Craft” invites visitors to explore Tursi’s creative process and the materials that shape her work. The exhibition is accompanied by a sound composition by Lucas Romeo from Siesta del Fauno, enhancing the sensory experience.
