Through the Surface

6th Apr 2004 - 13th Jun 2004

Transforming the spaces of the Sainsbury Centre, the works in Through the Surface pushed the boundaries of our understanding of textiles.

Through the Surface Machiko Agano/Anniken Amundsen Read more »

Through the Surface Michiko Kawarabayashi Read more »

Through the Surface Claire Barber/Teruyoshi Yoshida Read more »

Created on an architectural scale, the pieces were made using a vast range of different materials, from felt, polyester, paper, wool and cotton, whilst sometimes being interwoven with fishing line, electroplated zinc, reclaimed bath insulation foam, gold and silver leaf, aluminium, bamboo, tarpulin and seaweed.

Through the Surface told the story of cultural exchange and collaboration between Britain and Japan. During 2003, seven young textile artists travelled to work with seven established artists in the opposite country. Each partnership paired an established artist with an emerging talent and in each case the junior maker travelled across the world to work for an extended period with their mentor. What has emerged from this unique experiment is a series of fabulous textile works that show traditional techniques engaging with high-tech materials and large scale architectural installation.

Partnerships: Claire Barber & Teruyoshi Yoshida; Jeanette Appleton & Naoko Yoshimoto; Maxine Bristow & Kyoko Nitta; Machiko Agano & Anniken Amundsen; Frances Geesin & Kaori Hosozawa; Ealish Wilson & Michiko Kawarabayashi; Junichi Arai & Tim Parry-Williams

Through the Surface was curated by Lesley Millar and was originated and supported by the Surrey Institute of Art & Design University College.