Lines of Possibility: Taiwanese Rush Weaving

Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Taiwan, the exhibition Lines of Possibilities: Taiwanese Rush Weaving will feature at London Craft Week 2021, representing Taiwanese craftsmanship at the festival. From 30th September to 10th October, craft lovers will be able to enjoy the beauty of Taiwanese rush weaving at London's iconic gallery @oxo, gaining an insight into the production of rush products with the exhibition's on-site workshops.

Focusing on the uniquely Taiwanese cyperus malacceni plant and the techniques used by Taiwan's craftspeople to weave it, Lines of Possibilities: Taiwanese Rush Weaving stands as an important exhibition in its introduction and promotion of traditional Taiwanese crafts.

Since 2017, the Ministry of Culture, Taiwan, has sponsored the participation of Taiwanese craft at London Craft Week - making this the fifth consecutive year that original Taiwanese creativity has been on display to UK audiences. Taiwan's participation at London Craft Week is an opportunity to introduce the island nation's craftsmanship. Created in collaboration with Taiwan Yuan-Li Handiwork Association, Lines of Possibilities: Taiwanese Rush Weaving focuses on traditional Taiwanese rush weaving, with attendees discovering the craft's charm and magic through its three centuries of history.

Taiwan's particular strain of cyperus malacceni is unique to the island. Famous for its triangular shape and firm texture, the plant provides greater variety in pattern design, giving rush-woven products a distinctive look and a higher quality.

Using historical documents and visual materials, the exhibition traces the history of the Taiwanese rush weaving industry, detailing the progression of weaving techniques, patterns and tools. Not only will attendees be able to discover the full history of rush weaving in Taiwan, but also the various design and production concepts that permeate the craft. From home décor to fashion, over twenty products woven from cyperus malacceni will also be on display, bringing the beauty of Taiwanese rush weaving to life.

Aspiring to reach to more people than ever post-pandemic, Lines of Possibilities: Taiwanese Rush Weaving will be a hybrid exhibition, featuring both an online viewing room and physical exhibition site with live events. The online viewing room (https://www.linesofpossibilities.com) presents a short documentary on how the rush weaving industry in Taiwan has developed from the small town of Yuanli, Miaoli, drawing on the personal experiences of the town's craftspeople.

Lines of Possibilities: Taiwanese Rush Weaving is an interactive exhibition, giving participants the opportunity to weave their own products following instruction at on-site workshops. Participants will learn the basics of rush weaving, feeling the rush plant's firm texture and pleasant scent in the process. Two workshops will be available to the general public on 2nd and 9th October between 14:00 and 15:00, with a press-only session commencing on 30th September at 15:30.

"The exhibition isn't just about presenting Taiwanese craftsmanship," noted Dr. Chen Pin-Chuan, Director of the Cultural Division at the Taipei Representative Office in the UK, "it's about finding similarities and noting differences in Taiwanese and British culture. Both island nations have a tradition of plant weaving and basketry - so this exhibition presents an opportunity to further explore what our countries have in common, and foster interest in each other's craft industries."

London Craft Week is one of the largest annual art festivals celebrating craft. Now in its seventh year, the festival brings together established and emerging makers, designers, brands and galleries from around the world. The festival is curated on basis of underlying substance, adding an essential dash of magic and inspiration that separates the great from being merely good.
With authenticity at the heart of London Craft Week, Lines of Possibilities: Taiwanese Rush Weaving presents the originality, professionalism and traditional craftsmanship of Taiwan's rush weaving industry, standing out at this year's festival.

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Category: Community | Crafts