2013 Maiwa Textile Symposium

Event Saito Exhibition (WT)

Hiroshi Saito

Opening Thursday October 10, 2013

Silk Weaving Studio

No Charge
Please RSVP to Maiwa (604) 669-3939
 or Silk Weaving Studio (604) 687-7455

Beautifully dyed and handcrafted garments, scarves, and wall hangings reflect Hiroshi Saito’s background in the world of traditional Kyoto kimono dyeing. Hiroshi creates contemporary works that are a delightful expression of colour and texture.

Hiroshi was born in 1947 in Yokohama (near Tokyo). For many years he was a silk dyer, colouring cloth to be used in traditional kimonos. Each day he would dye up to 10 bolts of fabric exactly the same colour. At age 35 he decided that there was more to life and he began experimenting with handwoven cottons. The cotton from Thailand, Peru, Mali, India, and China appealed to him because of its warm, human quality. His extensive knowledge of traditional dyeing techniques is now used in the production of materials and clothing for contemporary Japanese dance and music companies.

Hiroshi Saito also works on large installations, including one he performed in the renowned Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. He is also well known for “Nozome,” an outdoor activity in which he supervises groups of up to 100 people dyeing 20 m lengths of cloth.