Supported by the Ministry of Culture, the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute (NTCRI) has organized an exhibition titled "Colour Theatre: Taiwanese Fiber Crafts (色彩劇場–臺灣纖維工藝展)," which will be held as part of 2022 London Craft Week from May 7 through 15.
To explore the legacy of natural dyes in Taiwanese arts and crafts, the "Colour Theatre" exhibition will invite fiber artists, master craftspeople and crafts groups to create dyed and woven works using colors typically found in Taiwan. From May 13 to 15, the organizer will launch three workshops, including "Indigo Dyeing for Table Runner," "Indigo Dyeing for Woven Shibori," and "Soil Dyeing for Pocket Square." Alongside this, a selection of the artists' existing pieces will be presented.
Inspired by the distinctive color and personality of the rich natural plants in Taiwan’s unique natural environment, curator Wu Pei-Shan (吳佩珊), assistant professor from the Graduate Institute of Applied Arts of Tainan National University of the Arts, presents the concept of color through the exhibition.
Moreover, the exhibition theme "Colour Theatre" adopts three elements of theater to interpret the atmosphere of the exhibition: actor, space and audience. The role of an actor is a metaphor for exhibited works, while the exhibition space refers to Taiwan’s landform. With the participation of the audience, the exhibition will become a perfect color show.
To demonstrate the rich energy of Taiwanese fiber craftsmanship and the future development and possibilities of the industry, the works on display are based on three perspectives - from scholars specializing in color and dyeing research on local plants and soil in Taiwan, the traditional craft industry, and young craftsmen who are adept at using different media to create their own unique dyeing works.
For more information, please visit the 2022 London Craft Week's website.