LUCHITA HURTADO'S DAILY UNIFORM

A VISIT TO THE PAINTER'S ARCHIVE OF CLOTHES, WHICH SHE CRAFTED ENTIRELY FOR HERSELF

- Cerys Davies

Hurtado made this jacket in 1947 from a horse blanket, gifted to her from Lord & Taylor.

Everything in Luchita Hurtado’s life belonged to a daily practice.

Her artwork was, of course, a major part of that routine. But her need to express herself often took forms beyond the canvas. She kept shelves full of journals which documented her day-to-day life and tracked all her dreams — never excluding the most mundane moments, from what she ate for lunch to taking her car to the mechanic. Her living spaces were delicately curated, with indigenous artifacts, rocks and leaves she would pick up on her walks and vintage windup toys. And no matter the occasion, Hurtado led this intentional lifestyle wearing a wardrobe she crafted entirely for herself.

The Venezuelan-born painter lived in a utilitarian uniform of sorts. She designed all kinds of pieces, from striped vests and floor-length dresses to lightweight pants and winter coats. But almost every silhouette was inspired after a specific design she used for almost all her shirts: a boxy shape with four front pockets and partial buttons, similar to a smock. Seemingly inspired by Japanese workwear, Hurtado wore these oversize, functional looks for around 80 years.