CINCINNATI.-Where does fashion end and art begin? If a sculpture is wearable, does it cease being a sculpture? The Cincinnati Art Museum presents Cat Chow, an exhibition of wearable art made from unconventional materials, on view at the Museum through March 5, 2006.

New York-based artist Cat Chow is fascinated by works constructed of multiples of the same material, and by that she doesn’t mean 100% cotton. Instead, Chow creates garments and sculptures made of nontraditional materials such as measuring tapes, dollar bills and soap labels.

“Unconventional materials capture my attention and compel me to transform them into an article of clothing,” said Chow.

Chow’s most recent work was commissioned by the Museum for the exhibition and has a definitive Cincinnati flavor: A dress made entirely of P&G's Ivory soap labels. This work, purchased with funds from the Museum-affiliated Friends of Fashion, will be on display along with a house dress made of measuring tapes, a full-length gown made of one continuous zipper and a dress made from 1,000 shredded dollar bills along with 15 other works.

We're thrilled and honored that Ms. Chow chose the Ivory brand to help interpret her design vision," said Jessica Peralto, marketing, Ivory Soap. "Her design is reminiscent of simpler times and reflects the purity and versatility of this iconic brand that has been a symbol of Americana for more than 125 years."

A video and personal statements from the artist will allow visitors to consider the differences among fashion, wearable art and sculpture and to discover the conceptual and technical approaches involved in Chow’s work.

“Her work challenges traditional definitions of fabric, wearable materials and garment construction,” said Cynthia Amnéus, associate curator of costume and textiles.

Through close inspection of the garments and raw materials Chow uses in her art, visitors will consider how the original functions of these materials are altered when used in Chow’s garments and sculptures. Associations with these materials add layers of meaning when connected to form garments.

“The unusual materials Chow uses are not unusual materials at all, as many of them surround us in our everyday lives. But their use in large quantities and on a form made for the body challenges us to consider how these materials relate to social and identity issues in the context of their new form,” said Amber Lucero Criswell, associate curator of adult programs and interpretation.

Chow has exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York, the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco and the Contemporary Arts Museum, Houston.

Cat Chow is sponsored by Frost Brown Todd LCC, Personal Planning and Family Business Development and is supported by the Women’s Committee of the Cincinnati Art Museum. Admission to the exhibition and the Museum’s permanent collection is free, made possible by The Lois and Richard Rosenthal Foundation.