Consulting Nick Cave on this year’s Krampus costume

Last year, as we approached the big Krampus party, I posted the following on this site:

Tonight, during my breaks in reading up on how to properly brine a turkey, I’m looking around the internet for inspiration to guide me as I set out to make my costume for the big Krampus event on December 11. All I know at this point is that I want something that won’t disintegrate when subjected to gallons upon gallons of sweat, or, as I like to call it, “Maynard gravy.” It also has to be warm enough to keep me alive on the walk across town, from the Corner Brewery to Woodruff’s, with the Detroit Party Marching Band. I’d like my costume to have a horn or two, but that’s an option, I think, that I could live without. (I don’t want to spend my whole night obsessing about the possibility of goring someone on the dance floor.) I do, however, think that fur of some kind is absolutely essential, as is a hole near my mouth for the delivery of fermented beverages. In terms of the general vibe I’m aiming for, I think it’s pretty squarely between what you might find at a traditional Krampus event in Eastern Europe, which looks absolutely terrifying, by the way, and Ziggy Stardust era Bowie. Basically, I want to look as though I’d fit in at a sci-fi monster dance party in outer space. The best thing I’ve found thus far, inspiration-wise, is the work of performance artist Nick “not that Nick Cave” Cave, which is absolutely brilliant. (Thanks to Linette for making me aware of Cave’s work.)…

So, you might be wondering why I’m sharing this now, right? Well, as luck would have it, Nick Cave is going to be presenting at the Michigan Theater tomorrow afternoon (for free) as a part of the University of Michigan’s Penny W. Stamps Speaker Series… So, if you’re planning to attend this year’s Krampus Costume Ball, which is coming up on December 17, and you feel as though you could use a little more inspiration with regard to costume design, I’d encourage you to come out and join me. I’ve never heard Cave speak, but, based on his work, I’m anticipating it to be incredible.

Here, for those of you who are unfamiliar with Cave’s work, is video of one of his recent “sound suit” projects.

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4 Comments

  1. Edward
    Posted November 10, 2011 at 8:41 am | Permalink

    I hope that Cave brings some of these:

    http://www.pedestrian.tv/pop-culture/features/nick-caves-soundsuits-/2318.htm

  2. TeacherPatti
    Posted November 10, 2011 at 9:39 am | Permalink

    Don’t forget to let me know how (if) I can help in any way!

    I think my new beau and I are dressing as a carrot and bunny, respectively. Do you get the phallic imagery there? Do you? Do you? It’s either that or Pooh and a honey pot.

  3. Eel
    Posted November 10, 2011 at 9:49 am | Permalink

    How’s this for the plot of an indie movie – A small band of starving hipsters kidnaps Cave and forces him to make costumes for them, which they then use to rob banks?

  4. Jen Eastridge
    Posted November 15, 2011 at 1:44 pm | Permalink

    LOVE Nick Cave’s work. I was lucky enough that Cave came and spoke to my class when I was in art school. Needless to say, I’ve been a fan of his work for about 15 years now. Brilliant.

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