Akihiko Izukura, a Japanese master of dyeing and weaving, works primarily in silk by transforming thread into “wind-like” fabrics. He hand-dyes silk with subtle colors made only from natural materials following a process that is over 2,000 years old. He also creates a wide range of functional and colorful modern garments with traditional weaving and knitting techniques. Many of his works and couture outfits have been exhibited in New York, Vienna, and Copenhagen.
For his Maui exhibition, Izukura has created a large installation made of woven silk, in a large ovoid form supported by bamboo, that visitors are invited to walk through. This tunnel-like structure, resembling a giant silk worm cocoon, presents a calm connection to being inside nature and experiencing the life of the creature transformed into a breathable silk textile.
SEE PHOTOS ( exhibit & opening receptions )
“Within the handwoven tunnel created by circular movement, I have arranged two pieces: a sphere with a diameter of two meters which was spun by ten thousand silkworms as they rotated their heads, and another sphere which I made out of cocoons. These are products of nature that I learned about from silkworms. In Hawai‘i, everything in nature is blessed by the gifts of sun and rainwater, so I was inspired to create the technique I call, taiyōzome, literally ‘sun dyeing’ - a dye method that replaces manmade fire with the power of sunlight alone. What a beautiful fairness there is in nature!” says Akihiko Izukura.
The symbiotic relation between man and nature has become the philosophy and focus behind Izukura's work. Along with the installation will be educational information about his processes and a small collection of his couture made with techniques in weaving, netting, braiding, and entwining silk.
To enhance the ambience of the space, MACC has commissioned San Francisco-based composer, Christopher Willits, to create an ambient sound collage for this exhibition for an overall feeling of transformation. Live performance will take place on Saturday, March 4 during "Observe & Play Family Day," 10 am - 12 noon.
Exhibit supported in part by the Japan Foundation, the Robert E. Black Fund and the Kent & Polli Smith Family Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation, with additional support from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, County of Maui, Office of Economic Development.
RELATED EVENTS:
Observe & Play Family Day
[event completed March 4]
This family-friendly event offers a walkthrough of the installation in the gallery, with a live performance by composer Christopher Willits, and a fun hands-on art-making activity dyeing silk. FREE ADMISSION!
Rakuhaku Workshop SEE PHOTOS!
[event completed, Jan 15]
Akihiko Izukura will begin with a demonstration of spinning, dyeing, and reeling by hand. Participants will learn the processes of pulling, dyeing, and forming silk to create a unique takeaway piece.
ArT=Mixx: METAMORPHOSIS SEE PHOTOS!
[event completed, Feb 4]
Held in conjunction with the exhibit, the free event will feature FUZZBOX Productions, DJ SOLE from Los Angeles, and live performances. This event is free and open to anyone 21 and over. Costume up, mingle, and connect to the arts!