February 15, 2011

Japanese artist Reiko Sudo is known as an innovator in the field of textile design. Sudo is the co-founder and head of the Nuno Corporation and an Eminent Professor at Tokyo’s Zokei University. She will visit Westphal as a Rankin Scholar in Residence from February 14th through 16th with the Leonard Pearlstein Gallery (3215 Market St.) hosting an exhibition of Sudo’s work, entitled Nuno Circle, from February 14th to March 11th. The month long exhibition, organized by Fashion professor Lisa Hayes, will feature textiles that reflect the aesthetic of three-dimensional textile art, a characteristic unique to works by Japanese artists. The pieces to be shown were designed by Sudo for Nuno Corporation between 1997 and 2007 and were selected by Reiko herself. The textiles utilize unique weaving techniques and are made of an extremely diverse range of materials: silk, feathers, stainless steel, handmade paper, glutinous yam gel, acrylic-silicone resin, rayon, cotton, bamboo and corn fiber. Sustainability is a theme that reoccurs in many of the textiles - this includes both the physical fiber sense and ethical, often ancient craft techniques. Some of Reiko’s textiles are pieced together from remnants of other materials, and many are made from recycled fiber and post consumer waste including PET bottle fiber or other recycled fibers.  They are beautiful, functional and environmentally conscious as Reiko’s work is more than a visual and tactile experience; it is a melding of innovation and tradition, a link between ancient craft and modern art. Please join us at our opening reception on Tuesday, February 15th at 6 PM in the Pearlstein Gallery.

Reiko will also lead a Workshop/Seminar for Fashion students during the residency. “Valuing Material Things: Recycle-Conscious Design” will culminate with students creating their own mini textile swatches to be displayed in the gallery during the exhibition.  “Design today is becoming more responsible and conscious,” said Sudo. “How we make things can connect the world in more sustainable ways. This workshop is a first step to reconsider the footprints we leave.” For more information on the workshop and seminar please see Alexandra Horner on the 6th floor of Nesbitt Hall, or contact Lisa Hayes, Fashion Professor, at llh25@drexel.edu.