The Art of MartyO at Villa Montezuma

The Gaslamp Museum at the Davis Horton House and The Villa Montezuma Museum have joined together for a solo retrospective exhibition called “A Splendid Decennium: Victorian to Vanguard.” This exhibit features pieces from Marty Ornish, international fiber artist, who creates amazing wearable art, art quilts, and other assemblage. A progressive opening reception was held on Jan. 27 with guests starting at the Gaslamp Museum at the Davis Horton House before journeying to the Villa Montezuma Museum in Sherman Heights.

1. you turn me on! martyo — “You turn me on!” addresses how women measure themselves through its use of an historic measuring tape. (Photos by Steven Ornish)

Ornish, known as MartyO, incorporates Victorian, Edwardian, and contemporary fashion styles in this retrospective of her art that addresses contemporary social issues. She reworks and repairs old cloth then transforms them into something new and magical. Ornish also shows wit and humor in her work as she addresses stereotypical societal roles of women through the ages. It will put a smile on your face; it may even make you chuckle!

One of the pieces in the exhibit is “You turn me on!” It has vintage leather measuring tapes on it and represents how women measure themselves. It also glows to the rhythm of the human heart beat. While pondering this piece of artwork, one could also imagine how men measure themselves. Another of Ornish’s pieces showcased at the museums is “Banned, Burned & Blacklisted” which lists the titles of recent banned books surrounded by an 1880s theater skirt.

2. she gazed at the carousel through rose colored glasses martyo — “She gazed at the carousel through rose-colored glasses” is another piece from Marty Ornish that is part of this exhibit.

Another social issue Ornish confronts is that of overconsumption and fast fashion. Ornish demonstrates how this has had an adverse effect on our society through how she values historic materials. She pays homage to the pre-Victorian era when fabrics were held in high esteem, painstakingly cared for and repurposed instead of being thrown away. You will be amazed, uplifted and in awe of this showcase of her work.

4. banned, burned & blacklisted martyo — “Banned, Burned & Blacklisted” includes the titles of many banned books amid a national effort to limit reading on certain topics.

The exhibition at these two jewels of our city will run through April 27. The tours at The Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House are Wednesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. No reservation is required. The Villa Montezuma requires reservations and has guided tours from Friday through Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in Alpine, California. Learn more about our Hat Designer, Teacher & Blogger at www.DianaCavagnaro.com.

Learn more about Villa Montezuma at https://sdnews.com/a-palace-of-the-arts-in-sherman-heights/.