Ayaki Shinada’s project explored contemporary uses of traditional Japanese indigo. With support from SJSF Japan, she took it to Copenhagen.
The project combined a three-day exhibition, a fermentation experiment, dyeing workshops and collaboration with other artists. Around 35 visitors came to the exhibition, and 18 of them took part directly in the indigo dyeing. Online, the project reached more than 21,000 views on Instagram.
The experiment compared indigo fermentation using Swedish and Danish tap water. The harder Danish water fermented two days faster – a reminder of how much the mineral content of the water matters to the craft.
The project also left new connections behind, with textile artists, designers, costume professionals, theatre people and 3D-printing collaborators in the Nordic creative community.
Photos: Ayaki Shinada
