Dress Tents
PHOTOGRAPHY + INSTALLATIONS
by Robin Lasser + Adrienne Pao
Dress Tents are wearable architecture (installations) and large color photographs that picture the dress tent with a companion landscape, constructing a fashion of place. Some installations are performed in public spaces such as museums or urban streets, while others are made and staged just for the photograph.
Through the humor of an oversized dress, we reference specific body and land topics pertaining to the place and culture where they are located. Exploring these two symbols (body and land) of shelter, we explore themes of protection vs. oppression, expression vs. exploitation, sexy vs. matronly, and many more.
Photographic Series
30” x 36”, 40”x 48” Chromogenic Prints
Ongoing 2007 - Present

Hula Girl Dress Tent
Waikiki, Oahu, 2017.
Photograph: 48” W x 40” H, Chromogenic Print.

MISSIONARY MUUMUU DRESS TENT
Kailua Beach, Oahu, 2004.
Photograph: 40” W x 48” H, Chromogenic Print.

LAVA TUBE TOP DRESS TENT
Kilauea Crater, Hawai’i, 2004.
Photograph: 48” W x 40” H Chromogenic Print.

THREE DRESS TENTS CAMPING IN A FAUX HAWAIIAN RAINFOREST
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA, 2004.
Photograph: 36” W x 30” H, Chromogenic Print.

CROSS DRESS TENTS
Fort Point, San Francisco, CA), 2005.
Photograph: 36” W x 30” H, Chromogenic Print.

PICNIC DRESS TENT
Highway 5 near Tracy, CA, 2005.
Photograph: 48” W x 40” H, Chromogenic Print.

MS. HOMELAND SECURITY - ILLEGAL ENTRY DRESS TENT
California/Mexico border fence, 2005.
Photograph: 48” W x 40” H, Chromogenic Print.

TANNING ONE’S HIDE DRESS TENT
Monterey Sand Dunes, Monterey, CA, 2005.
Photograph: 36” W x 30” H, Chromogenic Print.

BOUND TO LEISURE DRESS TENT
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, Oahu, 2005.
Photograph: 36” W x 30” H, Chromogenic Print.

EDIBLE GARDEN DRESS TENT
Saratoga, CA at Montalvo Arts Center, 2011.
Photograph: 36”W x 30”H, Chromogenic Print.

CAVE DRESS TENT
Castle Rock State Park, Santa Cruz, CA, 2005.
Photograph: 30” W x 36” H, Chromogenic Print.

FURRY DRESS TENT
Oakland Hills Redwoods, Oakland, CA, 2005.
Photograph: 30” W x 36” H, Chromogenic Print.

ICE QUEEN: GLACIAL RETREAT DRESS TENT
Mt. Shasta in front of an advancing glacier, CA.
Photograph: 48”W x 40”H, Chromogenic Print.

SALTY WATER: SOUTH BAY SALT FLATS DRESS TENT
Salt Ponds Transitioning to Wetlands near Redwood City, CA, 2010
Photograph: 36”H x 30”W, Chromogenic Print.

DIRTY TOWEL DRESS TENT
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, CA, 2005.
Photograph: 36” W x 30” H, Chromogenic Print.

GREENHOUSE DRESS TENT
Former Greenhouse for Commerical Plants in Richmond, CA, 2008.
Photograph: 48”W x 40”H, Chromogenic Print.

MS.YEKATERINBURG: CAMERA OBSCURA DRESS TENT
Church on the Blood, Yekaterinburg, Russia, 2011.
Photograph: 48”W x 40”H, Chromogenic Print.