Thread weaves a new narrative for contemporary textile and sustainable design across the Asia-Pacific. Curated by designer Margaret Hwang and driven by transparency and curiosity, Thread showcases experimental biomaterials combined with commercially produced recycled and natural textiles and materials from suppliers, designers and artisans across the region.
The exhibition includes two large-scale installations designed in collaboration with multidisciplinary design studio Cave Urban and fabricated from locally harvested bamboo. It highlights innovative, contemporary textiles and materials, including mushroom leather from Indonesia, woven silk from China, upcycled textile waste from Thailand, recycled newspaper stands from Korea, coffee yarn and pineapple leather from the Philippines, rush grass from Taiwan, organic fibres from India and materials fabricated from recycled water bottles, oyster shells and fishing nets.
Thread features a bespoke installation by designer Toyokazu Ono from Yotsume Dye House in southern Japan and AI generated silk textile designs by Hangzhou Silk Elegance from China. It also includes process material from Korean artist Young Eun Kim who has dedicated nine years to mastering the art of hanbok making, using natural upcycled materials such as hemp and silk.
Margaret Hwang is a Sydney-based designer and co-founder of Mosssy – a platform to support a select network of climate-conscious suppliers, manufacturers and artisans from the Asia pacific region, many of whom are looking to preserve cultural traditions and craftsmanship while exploring contemporary ethical and sustainable alternatives.
Cave Urban was formed in 2010 to investigate vernacular bamboo lightweight structures and their relevance to contemporary design. What began as a means for research has developed into a studio that combines art and architecture.
On Gadigal land
Sydney Design Week Material Labs
4–7 Eddy Ave Central Station
Haymarket NSW 2000
15–24 September 2023
Daily 12–4pm
Weekends 10am–4pm
