July 2024

Machine Dazzle, born Matthew Flower in 1972, is an American costume designer, set designer, performance artist, and drag queen. He is known for his extravagant and fantastical approach, blending camp, surrealism, and maximalism into his work. After moving to New York City in 1994, he quickly became a prominent figure in the city’s performance art scene. Machine Dazzle has collaborated extensively with artists such as Taylor Mac, Justin Vivian Bond, and Julie Atlas Muz, creating visually stunning and conceptually rich costumes and stage designs​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Machine Dazzle)​​ (Untapped Cities)​.

Machine Dazzle’s work is characterized by the use of unconventional materials like ping pong balls, slinkies, and soup cans, which he incorporates into his elaborate costumes. His designs are often seen in productions that challenge cultural norms and celebrate queer identity. Notable works include the costumes for Taylor Mac’s “A 24-Decade History of Popular Music,” which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Drama​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Pomegranate Arts)​.

His first solo exhibition, “Queer Maximalism x Machine Dazzle,” was held at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City in 2022, showcasing nearly 100 of his creations. This exhibition highlighted his unique style and narrative-driven approach to costume design, offering a comprehensive look at his career and artistic evolution​ (Untapped Cities)​.

Ted Talk here: www.ted.com/talks/machine_dazzle_how_to_unleash_your_inner_maximalist_through_costume?subtitle=en

www.machinedazzle.com

www.instagram.com/machinedazzle