Showcasing are artists Seta Bakan, Awaiy Butah, Hsien-Ping Chang, A-Gui Chen, Shu Yueh Chieh, Yu Jung Huang, Ili, Rinda Ma, ‘away a ta:in Sa:wan, Yu Shan Tsai, Sayun Yuraw; Laiji Village, LALABAN Xinshe Banana Silk Workshop
The term “to weave” is defined by Oxford Dictionary as “the way in which threads are arranged in a piece of cloth that has been woven; the pattern that the threads make.” According to Cambridge Dictionary, the term, by definition, is, firstly, “to make cloth by repeatedly crossing a single thread through two sets of long threads on a loom,” and secondly, “to twist long objects together, or to make something by doing this.” Moreover, corresponding translations of the term in Chinese appear to be “to braid” and “to weave.” The movements explain explicitly the most common techniques when it comes to converting linear plant fibers to 2D or 3D patterns. The works created by adopting these two techniques – whether it is for fabrics or baskets – boast to have kaleidoscopic changes in both patterns and shapes, and introducing convenience and beauty into human life.
National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute continues with the theme adopted in 2022 London Craft Week – namely the Color Theatre: Taiwan Fiber Crafts – the exhibition in 2023 switches focus from dyeing to “braiding” as well as “weaving,” and expanding the scope from natural elements of dyes and colors to that of humanity-oriented demonstration. At this juncture, “Weaving Taiwan” stands out and the spotlight features their techniques as well as the cleverly-knitted patterns deriving from the abundant multi-ethnic craftsmanship in Taiwan. The fabrics and baskets shed light on the living wisdom, aesthetics, ethnic group identification as well as cultural inheritance hidden inside the different cultures. In addition, these works unfold before audiences’ eyes the reinterpreted version and innovative application by contemporary craft professionals when they encounter traditional techniques, patterns and forms of basket.
