Jo Cope is a UK based female artist and conceptual craftswoman who has been pushing the formal boundaries of fashion for almost two decades. Jo’s interest is in creating a new role for fashion, creating socially active and highly crafted vessels, which can exist and communicate both on and off the body.
Jo’s unique practice is primarily focused around using the shoe as an object to explore notions of being human, her work draws upon: psychology, philosophy, history, social trends and personal experiences. Her work has been represented at a diverse range of prestigious events worldwide; including the Venice Design Biennale 2021, London Craft Week, Fashion Matters at Buckingham Palace 2018 and Material Movement Gala at Sadler’s Wells Theatre 2017. Jo’s footwear artefacts have been exhibited internationally at top museums including: The Budapest Museum of Art, State Museum Russia and Decorative Arts Museum Paris and Gallery Pecz Hungary.
Jo works with Shelter the UK homeless charity as a Creative Projects Consultant and in 2020 she curated the Shoes Have Names exhibition at Coal Drops Yard London in collaboration with charity. The project brought together 10 shoe designers with 10 previously homeless individuals to tell their stories and positive steps forward. Her work also focuses on amplifying female voices and raises awareness for female centred issues such as Domestic Violence.
Jo Copes objective is to continue to push the formal boundaries of fashion questioning its evolving role within art and society.
© Jo Cope.
