Eraser:
The peculiar beauty of darkness

Rhyannan's innovative adaptation of arashi shibori explores the interplay between light and shadow, drawing inspiration from Junichiro Tanizaki's seminal work "In Praise of Shadows".

This textile art piece delves into the complex relationship between humanity and nature, utilizing a blend of natural and synthetic dyes to symbolize the tension between consumerism and our intrinsic connection to the natural world. The artist's unique approach to arashi shibori, a technique traditionally known for creating storm-like patterns, focuses on cultivating darkness.

Junichiro writes; - “Were it not for shadows, there would be no beauty.” Rhyannan demonstrates the power of traditional textile techniques to convey modern concepts, bridging the gap between ancient craftsmanship and contemporary art. Her work serves as a testament to the ongoing relevance of shibori in the art world and its capacity to engage with pressing global concerns.

This thought-provoking work garnered significant recognition, leading to Rhyannan being awarded grants from the Daiwa Foundation, Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, and World Shibori Network for travel and research in Japan.

Many thanks to Alastair Brooks and Fran of KOLAB Studios for the photography.