Bonsai Couture or the Haute Couture Fabric Art of Guerra de la Paz

Bonsai Couture is the latest series of artwork from Guerra de la Paz, the Miami-based Cuban artistic team of Alain Guerra and Neraldo de la Paz. Originally sourcing their materials from the waste bins of second-hand goods shipping companies in Miami's Little Haiti, the duo still make their sculptures primarily from the discarded, repurposed or recycled items of daily life.

Bonsai Couture combines the traditions of bonsai making with the practices of haute couture or high fashion. Each piece represents individuality redefined not only with delicacy but also with an element of fantasy and extravagance.

The ancient practice of aesthetic miniaturization of trees has existed for over a thousand years. This meditative process of cultivation involves shaping and sculpting a tree to resemble mythical dragons, animals, and birds. The process of design and creation in haute couture has similar characteristics - time-consuming, hand-executed techniques, custom fitting one-of-a kind pieces made of high-quality fabrics.

For Guerra de la Paz, integrating the techniques and philosophies of these two disciplines contributes to a universal dialogue inspired by the divine quest for perfection. 

Bonsai Couture is on exhibit at the Galerie Kashya Hildebrand, and is also the first Swiss exhibition of Guerra de la Paz.

Guerra de la Paz

Bonsai Couture
Chinois, Bonsai Tree, 2011

Painterly, Bonsai Tree, 2011

Aye, Bonsai Tree, 2011

Fifi, Bonsai Tree, 2011

Gaughin, Bonsai Tree, 2011

Pink Pom Pom, Bonsai Tree, 2011

Red Pom Pom, Bonsai Tree, 2011

Indochine, Bonsai Tree, 2011

Courtesy Guerra de la Paz / Galerie Kashya Hildebrand, Zurich

Bonsai Couture, June 8 - August 15, 2011

This post is also featured on the Huffington Post