The Sustainable Textile Futures exhibition at the Embassy of Japan showcases traditional Japanese textile techniques that inspire sustainable practices in fashion today. Co-directed by Loughborough University’s Dr Kerri Akiwowo and Dr Chetna Prajapati, it features 13 artworks from 15 artists, highlighting methods like boro and shibori. The exhibition runs until March 10, 2025, promoting a dialogue on sustainability and cultural exchange.
The Sustainable Textile Futures exhibition at the Embassy of Japan in London, co-curated by Dr Kerri Akiwowo and Dr Chetna Prajapati from Loughborough University, explores the creative exchange between Britain and Japan. The exhibition features 13 artworks from 15 European artists, highlighting traditional Japanese textile techniques that promote sustainability, such as boro, kasuri, sakiori, and shibori.
Dr Akiwowo hopes the exhibition will encourage discussions on cultural preservation and the environmental impact of fast fashion, prompting visitors to reconsider their textile consumption. Questions such as ‘can I repair this instead of discarding it?’ are encouraged, aiming for shift in perspectives regarding clothing and waste.
The exhibition includes textile samples, garments, and video content, showcasing works like “Crafting Barkcloth,” where Ugandan barkcloth is dyed using traditional techniques, and “Enzymatic Shibori,” combining biotechnology with shibori resist methods. There are also hand-dyed yarns, digitally printed garments, and interactive stations allowing visitors to engage with textile techniques.
Initiated as part of the Diverse Voices in Textiles programme, the exhibition promotes inclusivity in the field. Dr Prajapati emphasises their role in fostering discussions on diversity and shaping the textile narrative. Open to the public until March 10, 2025, the exhibition is free with photo ID and includes lectures and workshops.
A spokesperson from the Embassy of Japan remarked on the historical influence between British and Japanese cultures, highlighting the significance of the exhibition in the context of the upcoming 2025 Kansai Expo that focuses on sustainable technologies. This collaboration underlines shared values between the two nations and the importance of sustainability in contemporary art.
The Sustainable Textile Futures exhibition showcases the dynamic relationship between British and Japanese textile traditions, focusing on sustainability and cultural preservation. Through innovative artworks and interactive elements, it challenges visitors to reconsider their relationship with clothing and waste. The exhibition promotes inclusivity and diversity in textiles while highlighting the influence of cultural exchange on sustainability. It remains open until March 10, 2025, inviting the public to engage in meaningful discussions.
Original Source: www.lboro.ac.uk