2022 > TANSA: JAPANESE THREADS OF INFLUENCE
Tansa a Japanese word for exploration
What we set out to do
To produce two exhibitions exploring connections and differences as outcomes from a textile research trip to Japan undertaken by 18 UCA MA Textile graduates, current Textile PhD's and several Textile Post Doctoral Researchers. Post Graduate Textile Research Trip to Japan.
What we achieved
“The exhibition Tansa (探査) seems to become a bridge tying UK and Japan”
Hiroyuki Shindo, participating artist.
TANSA Exhibition Number 1
Miniature textiles - maximum size 15cm in any direction - created by the UK artists and the Japanese artists visited in Japan. It was shown at the Crafts Study Centre Farnham 5 January - 26 March 2022 and Gallery Gallery Kyoto 23 April - 8 May 2022.
The UK artists work was a response to the experience, the Japanese work encapsulated an aspect of their practice. Many of the UK artists and the curator gave sold out presentations within the exhibition. Because of Covid restrictions, the Japanese artists were unable to visit, however we were able to make an informal video (right) recording, for the first time, four of the Japanese artists in their studios. The artists are: Hiroyuki Shindo, Yasuko Fujino, Chiyoko Tanaka and Jun Tomita.
‘For anyone familiar with Japan, it is easy to spot some of the ‘Japanese threads of influence’ behind the works. But these threads of influence run deeper, spreading between the works like a web, and connecting them through material, colour, form and technique. Viewing this exhibition is tansa in action, and exploring the parallels and contrasts is what gives it meaning.’
Selvedge Magazine
Comments from our visitors and on social media have included:
'A bridge built, a story told in a beautiful, modest way. Small things give a moment of focus.'
'A gentle tapping through fibre that draws the simple pleasure of connecting with another culture.'
Four of the Japanese artists in their studios. Hiroyuki Shindo, Yasuko Fujino, Chiyoko Tanaka and Jun Tomita.
Curator Lesley Millar showing some of the miniature textiles in the exhibition.
The TANSA miniatures exhibition also has a limited edition, numbered catalogue.
TANSA Exhibition number 2
An exhibition of larger scale work evidencing process and making as influenced by the research trip by all the UK artists. This exhibition opened at South Hill Park Gallery on 26 February till 3 April 2022. This exhibition was supported by a focussed programme of public workshops, artists residencies open to the public and presentations.
Comments from our visitors and on social media have included:
'Such a “wow”exhibition! “Meet the designer” was an added bonus and I've learnt so much, about textiles, culture and design. Thank you! '
'Fantastic show -wonderful and informative textiles. Great interaction with makers.'