#Japan #Indigo #Tokushima #Venice Biennale #Atelier Seiran

Unveiling Japanese Artistry through Indigo

Atelier Seiran, a textile studio rooted in Tokushima, Japan, is set to present a remarkable series of conferences titled From Indigo to the World -- The Spirit and Creativity of Japanese Culture on September 22 and 23, 2026. This initiative aligns with the events of the 61st Venice Biennale, as part of the exhibition Fissures of Light Diaspora Dissonances in Fa Minor.

The conferences will delve into the cultural philosophy that informs the artistic practices at Atelier Seiran, showcasing how the Japanese relationship with nature inspires a unique sense of aesthetics and creativity. Founded in 1970 by the indigo artist Yoko Hashimoto, Atelier Seiran has dedicated itself to the traditional craft of Awa indigo. Over the years, Yoko has developed an innovative technique that combines indigo dyeing with wax-resist methods, known as roketsuzome. Today, Yoko's daughters, Hatsuko Ukigawa and Kiyoko Hashimoto, uphold this rich artistic heritage while adapting it to modern artistic expressions.

Hatsuko Ukigawa, the current director of the studio, will actively participate in two sessions during the conference. She will highlight Atelier Seiran's work and its cultural significance. A key highlight will also include Les Lucioles (The Fireflies), a collaborative piece that emerged from the artistic dialogue between Hatsuko and Cameroonian artist Serge Mouangue. This work aims to reflect the endless creative possibilities of Japanese indigo across cultural boundaries.

"Venice has long been a crossroads of East and West," notes the Atelier. "Through indigo, we aspire to foster a new dialogue that transcends mere color, intertwining the culture and spirit that it represents."

Event Details:

• - Title/Theme: From Indigo to the World -- The Spirit and Creativity of Japanese Culture
• - Dates: September 22-23, 2026, from 2 PM to 5 PM daily
• - Location: Palazzo Dona dalle Rose (Cannaregio 5038, Venice), as part of the official Biennale event titled Fissures of Light Diaspora Dissonances in Fa Minor
• - Organizers: Atelier Seiran; Fondazione Dona dalle Rose
• - Partner: TISSALI Arts Cultures
• - Support Partners (tentative): MetaMoJi Corporation; Fondazione Shoshin; ExoEARTH Inc.

Featured speakers include Hatsuko Ukigawa (representative of Atelier Seiran) and Chiara Modica Dona dalle Rose (moderator from Fondazione Dona dalle Rose, confirmation pending). The event will also feature video appearances by Yoko Hashimoto, Kiyoko Hashimoto, and Serge Mouangue.

For further information, please visit the official website at Atelier Seiran.

Atelier Seiran's works are currently on display as part of the official program of the parallel events at the Venice Biennale through November 22, 2026.