Japanese Textile Innovation from Sudō Reiko showcases the innovative work of Japanese textile designer Sudō Reiko, who is renowned for pushing boundaries of textile production and championing new methods of sustainable manufacturing. Sudō has been the design director of leading textile design firm Nuno for over 30 years and is a member of the Japan Design Committee. Her fabric designs combine Japanese craft traditions with new engineering techniques and unusual combinations of diverse materials such as silk, hand-made washi (Japanese paper), nylon tape and thermoplastic.
Originally designed by artistic director Saitō Seiichi of Panoramatiks (formerly Rhizomatiks Architecture), MAKING NUNO Japanese Textile Innovation from Sudō Reiko includes large-scale installations highlighting the manufacturing processes used in Sudō’s work.
Produced in collaboration with the Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile (CHAT) in Hong Kong, this exhibition expands on the successful show in 2019 curated by Takahashi Mizuki, Executive Director and Chief Curator of CHAT. Using a variety of techniques, from washi dyeing to chemical lace embroidery inspired by rolls of paper, each installation is accompanied by drawings and sketches, alongside raw materials, and design prototypes.
Adding further depth to the exhibition, Japan House London examines themes of sustainability of materials, regional manufacturing and traditions and craftmanship within the wide variety of Sudō’s work.