Integration Of Fashion And Innovation Of Plant Dyeing And Art

The blue printed cloth with dragon and phoenix patterns, the quilt cover with Dunhuang tile patterns, and the cheongsam with ink and light color style... The reporter recently saw in the First National Plant Dyeing Art Exhibition (Dalian Exhibition Area) that 330 works in different shapes not only retained the traditional printing and dyeing processes such as batik, type dyeing, and skein dyeing, but also integrated the fashion and innovation of contemporary art. Plant dyeing, a traditional skill with a long history, is moving from tradition to modern life with its unique artistic expression.

The First National Plant Dyeing Art Exhibition (Dalian Exhibition Area). Photographed by Zhang Boqun, reporter of Xinhua News Agency

Plant dyeing, also known as "plant dyeing", refers to a process of extracting pigments from naturally growing plants and dyeing fabrics. It has the characteristics of natural environmental protection and can not be replaced by modern industrial dyeing and weaving. The printing and dyeing processes, such as batik, wringing dye and patchwork, which were formed in ancient China and have been handed down to the present, all adopted the method of plant dyeing, forming a systematic and complete printing and dyeing process and technical system, creating brilliant cultural and artistic achievements, and becoming a valuable asset of Chinese civilization. Plant dyeing technology in many places has been included in the list of intangible cultural heritage protection.

The First National Plant Dyeing Art Exhibition (Dalian Exhibition Area). Photographed by Zhang Boqun, reporter of Xinhua News Agency

Walking at the exhibition site set up in the Dalian Campus of Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts, Dong Xin, the art director of Guiyang Tale Tiancheng Art Studio, brought 10 modern clothing works to attract many visitors.

Dong Xin said: "We use the plant heat transfer printing process to transfer the shape, texture and color of plants to the fabric through high-temperature cooking, creating a unique pattern that conveys the natural breath and vitality of the plants themselves. The audience can immerse in the visual enjoyment brought by the color and pattern, and imagine the beauty of wearing such a dress."

The First National Plant Dyeing Art Exhibition (Dalian Exhibition Area). Photographed by Zhang Boqun, reporter of Xinhua News Agency

"This silk cheongsam, which is printed with patterns similar to Chinese paintings, strives to express the image of traditional Chinese paintings, and combines the two styles of small freehand brushwork and fine brushwork to present a soft and beautiful style of ink and light color. I chose natural plants such as silver birch leaves, locust trees, and water celery, and used a mordant that can present a high gray tone to transfer the unique fabric for making this cheongsam work." Dong Xin said, The selection and combination of transfer mosaic, including different layout methods, will affect the final color and pattern effect.

The First National Plant Dyeing Art Exhibition (Dalian Exhibition Area). Photographed by Zhang Boqun, reporter of Xinhua News Agency

Plants are dyed from mountains and rivers. In the eyes of craftsmen, everything can be dyed, such as lavender, sapphire, chestnut shell, litchi shell, longan shell, tea, etc. Affected by season, time, climate, region and other factors, even the same plant can extract different colors of dye solution. "The natural color of plants and the fragrance of plants form a unique charm, which is fascinating. The production process of heat transfer printing reflects the spiritual connotation of the unity of heaven and man," said Dong Xin.

The First National Plant Dyeing Art Exhibition (Dalian Exhibition Area). Photographed by Zhang Boqun, reporter of Xinhua News Agency

Ni Yuehong, the chief curator of the exhibition and director of the Fiber Art and Design Professional Committee of the Chinese Arts and Crafts Society, said that the exhibition selected 330 works by 130 authors, covering three parts: traditional plant dyeing, modern plant dyeing, and plant dyeing cultural and creative products, showing the development of China's plant dyeing from different aspects, It not only opens a window for the audience to understand the history, current situation and future development trend of plant dyeing art, but also opens a platform for the creators, lovers and inheritors of plant dyeing art to learn from each other.

This exhibition is co sponsored by China Arts and Crafts Association, Dalian Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, Dalian Zhongshan District People's Government, Academy of Fine Arts of Tsinghua University, and Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts, and will last until November 15.

(Source: Xinhuanet)