Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, April 22, 2024
The countdown begins as the ‘World of Wearable Art (WOW)’ gears up to unveil its highly anticipated 2024 show, promising a breathtaking experience like never before.
Aptly titled “Dream Awake,” this year’s spectacle will transport audiences into a realm of enchantment and imagination, set to dazzle the senses and ignite the soul.
Tickets for this immersive journey into creativity are now on sale, marking the beginning of a mesmerising adventure slated to run from September 26 to October 13, 2024, at the TSB Arena in Wellington.
Journey of imagination
In a world hungry for inspiration and wonder, the World of Wearable Art has created a niche for itself as continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, inviting audiences to “Dream Awake” and embark on a journey of limitless imagination.
Executive Creative Director Brian Burke is the visionary behind this year’s extravaganza, promising to captivate audiences with six spellbinding dreamscapes inspired by the competition’s design themes.
Mr Burke envisions attendees as time travellers, embarking on a visual odyssey through otherworldly realms crafted by his mystical imagination.
He said, “The 2024 WOW Show: Dream Awake will transport audiences to surprising and unexpected places. We have jaw-dropping performances, unique aerial artistry, extravagant costumes, state-of-the-art 3D projection and lighting, and of course phenomenal wearable art from around the world, all coming together in a visual spectacle you can only experience at WOW.”
Stagecraft to complement the garments
To enhance the audience’s immersion, WOW 2024 will introduce a new stage design and towering audio-visual setup, aimed at bringing the wearable art garments closer to the viewers than ever before.
Mr Burke explained, “We are constantly exploring ways to bring the intricate details of the garments to life. This year, we are building a completely new stage, utilising more of the arena and integrating live cameras for giant projections, celebrating the artistic intricacies at the heart of the show.”
As an International Emmy Nominated Producer and the Creative Producer of the world’s most successful reality TV format, including America’s Got Talent, American Idol and The Latin Grammy Awards, Mr Burke brings over 20 years of experience of groundbreaking “Best of Las Vegas” production shows, residencies and world tours including Luke Bryan, Celine Dion, Lionel Richie, Keith Urban, Pitbull, Westlife, Il Divo, Celestia, Mat Franco and Le Reve among other major global spectacles.
Global appeal and attraction
Reflecting on the success of the 2023 WOW Show, which drew an audience of about 60,000 from around the globe, WOW Chief Executive Meg Williams expresses pride in the show’s evolution under Mr Burke’s guidance. Ms Williams credits Mr Burke’s expertise in theatre technology and stagecraft for elevating the WOW experience to new heights, attracting both loyal fans and newcomers alike.
Under Mr Burke’s direction, WOW has become a global phenomenon, drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of garment designs from Aotearoa and beyond, in addition to showcasing the talents of New Zealand performing artists, creating an unparalleled experience that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Exceptional talent on display
As anticipation builds for the 2024 show, WOW unveils over $185,000 in awards and prizes across six section categories, including three recurring sections and three new categories: Crazy Curiosities of the Creature Carnival, Natural World, and Geometric Abstraction. Head of Competition Sarah Nathan praised the exceptional quality of international entries, with Aotearoa-based designers still having until May to submit their creations.
As WOW promises a dreamy escape, Ms Williams expressed excitement for what lies ahead. “Every year, our creative team and designers amaze us with their extraordinary creativity and ingenuity. The 2024 WOW Show: Dream Awake is going to be the most intriguing and uplifting experience. We cannot wait for everyone to join us for the spectacle of the year.”
Tickets are available at www.worldofwearableart.com
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
