Ian Berry’s exhibition at the Garden Museum this summer cascades from the walls and ceiling. Creeping up and around the stairs, inviting you to step into aperfect, blue, still life. In the pond, fish appear to gleam, each scale meticulously rendered in shades of blue, subtly vanishing beneath the lily pads. Houseplants, nestled in denim pots, and a birdbath reflecting watery patterns, contribute to the serene atmosphere. The attention to detail is extraordinary—up close, the depth and texture of each piece reveal how carefully Ian has considered every fragment of denim. The washes, fades, and frays of old jeans come together to craft inky painterly scenes.

Originating as durable workwear for miners and labourers in the late 19th century, denim evolved into a fabric of choice for youth countercultures in the mid-20th century, notably during the 1960s and 1970s. It became a symbol of rebellion and nonconformity, embraced by movements like the hippies and later the punks. Today, denim continues to be a ubiquitous material in fashion, reflecting both its utilitarian roots and its association with individuality and style.

Ian Berry’s work is deeply embedded within the theoretical framework of New Materialism, where materials possess agency and meaning beyond their physical form. The denim becomes more than just a fabric—it is an active participant in the narrative, layered with history, culture, and emotion.

His work leverages the deep-seated cultural associations of denim within his art. Using denim to create intricate scenes, still lives and windows into secret lives highlights the agency of denim. Ian tells personal stories, exploring the fabric’s connection to identity, storytelling, and both overt and subtle forms of rebellion.