Hosoo Co., Ltd. + YCAM Joint Research and Development Project

This project involved collaborative research and development with long-established Kyoto Nishijin textile company Hosoo, exploring potential fusions of media technology with the techniques of Nishijin textiles.

The Nishijin textile technique was originally developed as a method of yarn-dyeing figured textiles for aristocrats and samurai. As it did so, it developed into a preeiminent, refined style. Even now, after modernization of the production process, Nishijin textiles are known as one of the most advanced weaving techniques in the world of traditional crafts. As a producer of Nishijin textiles with a long, traditional history, Hosoo has also spent years working to evolve textiles to the next level by incorporating revolutionary technological advances.

This project attempts to envision new possibilities for the basic elements of textiles like “threads” and “yarn” through the use of computer programs and new materials. Additionally, the project seeks to consider development of a new culture of artistry stemming from future textile developments as well as the developments themselves.

Recent and Upcoming

Prompted by YCAM’s FY2015 exhibition involving the creation of a massive 17m x 17m carpet for Promise Park: Rendering of Future Patterns in conjunction with Moon Kyungwon, Hosoo has entered into this project with artist/ programmer Ken Furudate. Together, they have incorporated computer programs into the Nishijin textile production process in order to begin prototyping experiments for new textile concepts.
In addition to completing the software in FY2016, the research team also welcomed new members with the participation of Keio University’s Yasuaki Kakehi Laboratory. Together, they have begun prototyping experiments on introducing new materials by applying a scientific approach.
In FY2017, the team will be announcing a new textile developed from these collective research breakthroughs.