Join the KQ for this collaborative private view of the ‘Japanese Aesthetics of Recycling’ exhibition at the Brunei Gallery, with talks from our partners at SOAS and Cockpit.
Exhibiting over 100 objects from the Karun Thakar Collection, the exhibition includes exquisite examples of ‘Boro’ and ‘sakiori’ textiles, washi and kin-tsugi or gin-tsugi pottery.
Boro (Japanese: ぼろ) is a class of Japanese textiles that have been mended or patched together. The term is derived from Japanese boroboro, meaning something tattered or repaired. Fashioned from worn clothing and ‘waste’ fabric to create ‘Boro’, the textile pieces have become very popular with collectors in Japan & throughout the world over the last 20 years. These pieces are often marketed as ‘abstract art’ in the Western context. They are in fact an important aspect of Japanese history and culture, showing the resilience and creativity shown by working people living in very harsh environment with very few resources.
To give insight into artistic recycling practices with textiles today, this event will include a talk from award-winning textile artist, Alice Burnhope, based at Cockpit Studios. Alice specialises in socially-engaged artwork, co-creating immersive installations and sculptural wearable art with the public to support their wellbeing and connection to nature. Alice’s practice is based in sustainable textile techniques, such as utilising waste materials, natural dyes and patchwork.
ACCESSIBILITY
The public entrance to the Brunei Gallery is located opposite the main SOAS campus. The gallery is fully wheelchair accessible with a ramp to the right of the entrance.
Wheelchairs are available to borrow on site, our team are happy to assist when requested.
The Brunei Gallery has several spaces on three different levels, the ground floor, upper galleries lower galleries. The Lower and upper galleries are accessible by stairs and a lift.
There is a wheelchair accessible toilet within the gallery, located at the back of the Foyle Gallery on the ground floor.
Larger text
A larger format of the text panels is available on request through the gallery on gallery@soas.ac.uk or via the reception desk.
If you have any further accessibility questions and/or requirements, please get in touch with Jemima Barnes (jemima.barnes@bl.uk).