Victor Wilde: The Artistic Alchemist of Found Objects and Punk Couture
In his DTLA studio, artist and fashion designer, Victor Wilde finds inspiration in mercurial materials. He engages in a process of scavenging, salvage, destruction, reconfiguration, redemption, appropriation, and transformation with a wide range of items, such as textiles, faux pelts, parachutes, used and vintage garments, accessories, street posters, and fashion district trinkets. His creative approach extends to both clothing and fine art, believing that the two are inherently connected. Wilde paints on clothes, creates prints on found images, sews works on paper, attaches garments to canvas, and photographs to garments. He even crafts narrative plushies and makeshift weapons from leftovers, using his art to critique authority and late-stage capitalism with a touch of drama.
Although Wilde gained attention for Bohemian Society’s inclusive L.A. Fashion Week presentation in the past, his latest venture takes him back to the art world. He unveils his exhibition, Wilde America, at REN Gallery this week. The show features a collection of large mixed-media paintings, sculptures, and assemblages that have all undergone his unique treatment, using only found materials and remnants. Surprisingly, these pieces evoke unexpected emotions and possess a certain beauty.
When asked about his journey as an artist, Wilde recalls creating his first artwork at the age of six. Fascinated by his grandfather’s collection of random objects, he experimented with car paint on a traffic cone. Although the outcome wasn’t ideal, this experience ignited Wilde’s passion for the creative process. He became enamored with found objects, trinkets, and junk, earning him the nickname “Victor Hands” from his grandmother. To this day, Wilde remains compelled to touch, play, experiment, learn, and combine objects of various kinds to tell his story.
Wilde views objects as something that exists independently of human perception. They possess objectivity, associated with ideas like reality, truth, and reliability. However, once in his hands, these objects become objets d’art, subject to his artistic vision.
When asked about the essence of his work, Wilde simply answers, “Freedom.” His art is a celebration of liberation in various forms.
If he weren’t an artist, Wilde struggled to imagine an alternative path. He has dedicated himself to his creative pursuit wholeheartedly.
Wilde did attend art school for a few years but was eventually expelled—twice. Despite this setback, he continues to pursue his artistic endeavors with unwavering determination.
Los Angeles holds a special place in Wilde’s heart. Over time, he has grown to love the city, appreciating its continuous improvement. As an American, he feels a strong attachment to L.A. and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
As for his first show, Wilde reminisces about performing as a bear for a Christmas display at his aunt’s house. However, pinpointing his first official exhibition proves challenging.
Wilde America, his current project, debuts on May 20 at REN Gallery in DTLA. This exhibition delves into the meaning of being American, showcasing the inventiveness of ad hoc and prison yard craftsmanship. It also highlights the aesthetic of punk couture within the context of post-war American art. Alongside the show, Wilde has planned a series of events, including talks, fundraising activities, film screenings, excerpts from his documentary “United We Stand” (which documents his cross-country journey as a street performer two weeks after 9/11), fashion happenings, music performances, workshops, and even poetry readings.
When asked about his dream collaboration, Wilde’s answer surprises— he wishes to work with all of the Ninja Turtles, namely Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael, and Leonardo.
Music plays a vital role in Wilde’s creative process. He enjoys an extensive range
of genres, making it an indispensable companion throughout his work.
To learn more about Victor Wilde and his art, you can visit his website at thebohemiansociety.com. Additionally, you can follow him on Instagram at instagram.com/victorwilde and instagram.com/bohemian_society. He can also be found on YouTube at youtube.com/@boho15 and Facebook at facebook.com/TheBohemianSociety.