Colourful Japanese SAORI weaving samples will be introduced to Hong Kong These unique fashions are the collaborative creations of design students from the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) and people with disabilities from The Salvation Army Rehabilitation Service participating in the “Building the Rainbow Bridge Together – SAORI Weaving Art Development Project”.
SAORI is the art of hand-weaving, which integrates wool and fabrics. The art form originated in Japan where long strands of the colourfully woven cloths are draped over foot crossings spanning streams to create “rainbow bridges”.
In this collaborative project, members of The Salvation Army’s Rehabilitation Service teach HKDI students basic SAORI weaving skills to make their own cloth. The students then use the SAORI cloths to create outfits and accessories.
“Our members with disabilities can choose their favourite coloured threads, and by weaving them together with different textures, they can express their inner feelings and emotions, thereby creating hand-woven artwork with a unique and personal style,” said Lieut-Colonel Samuel Pho, Officer Commanding of The Salvation Army Hong Kong and Macau Command.
Mrs Miranda Leung, General Manager - Corporate Relations of the MTR Corporation said: “The MTR Corporation is delighted to be able to provide a platform for fashion designers and weavers to showcase their talent and creativity. I encourage passengers, especially those who love fashion, to visit the exhibition to appreciate the creative ideas and talents of the artists.”
The “Building the Rainbow Bridge Together” exhibition will move to MTR Tiu Keng Leng Station on 19 April and run until 28 May. “art in mtr - roving art” is an on-going initiative featuring temporary art exhibitions at
different MTR stations. About ten exhibitions are held each year to promote local artistic talent and the public’s appreciation of art.