Structure and Surface: Contemporary Japanese Textiles

Rating:
Summary: Inspiring, Astounding, Enthralling
Review: This is a delicious book - the fabrics are so amazing you just want to inhale them right off the page. It was actually published in conjunction with an exhibition at the Museum of Madern Art in New York, but have no fear - it stands alone entirely, and is almost (well maybe not almost) as good as actually being there. The book covers a wide range of Japanese textile artists, from traditional to industrial. Artists include Koichi Yoshimura, Reiko Sudo, Osama Mito, Chiyoko Tanaka,Akiko Ishigaki and of course the ubiquitous Issey Miyake.The rear 2/3 of the book is a feast of detailed and exquisite photos, arranged much as any exhibition catalogue, and divided into sections six technique sections - Transparent, Dyed, Reflective, Printed, Sculpted and Layered. The front 1/3 gives a brief overview of information on the artists, and a description of their techniques and specific athsetic. This alone would make a riveting book, but the incredibly high level of photgraphy makes this a must-own. It isn't a how-to book, but is the most wonderful inspiration I've found since "Whole Cloth". This should be essential reading for sculptors, architects, garment designers, painters, and just anyone who appreciates beauty. Some of the pieces are very sabi - Chiyoko Tanaka rubs soil into the fabric and then carefully burnishes the piece until threads begin to appear on the surface. Michiko Uehara uses silk thread so fine she describes it as 'weaving air' (an incredible 6.4 derniers), and uses only natural dyes taken from the environment around her.....and...no - there's just too much in here - clik on that button and order it now or regret it forever!