[AIR 3331] SENNINBARI SEWING WORKSHOP

Australian artist Michelle Belgiorno joins 3331 Arts Chiyoda's residence program "AIR 3331" to create a new artwork based on Japanese 'senninbari'. Japanese women made 'senninbari' - literally 1,000-stitch belt - during wartime, as amulets for soldiers departing Japan. Created as an act of devotion, it was believed the love and strength of the thousand women protected the wearer of the belt.

■THE SENNINBARI PROJECT brings together Japanese and Australian women in an open-ended conversation exploring reconciliation and Australian-Japanese history. Through this series of workshops, Michelle invites Japanese women of all ages to add their stiches and stories to her 'senninbari'.

■THE 'SENNINBARI' ARTWORK
On her return to Sydney, Michelle will create a large sculptural installation comprised of numerous 'senninbari' sewn by both Australian and Japanese women. The work is an act of international friendship and communal strength against war. It will be exhibited in the Mosman Art Gallery, commemorating 75 years since the Japanese submarine attacks on Sydney Harbour. The exhibition celebrates the strong relationship that has developed between Australia and Japan since the end of the Second World War.

【HOW TO PARTICIPATE】
Japanese women are invited to join a workshop to meet Michelle, sew, and share their stories. All materials are provided, although participants are encouraged to bring red and black thread from home. Participants are welcome to come and go freely from the workshop.

No sewing skills are necessary, just an open mind and an open heart!


Artist Profile: http://residence.3331.jp/en/artists/003395.html

[ What is AIR 3331? ]
AIR 3331 Open Call welcomes creatives from diverse backgrounds to research, produce and exhibit at 3331 Arts Chiyoda―injecting an international perspective right into the heart of Tokyo's art scene. For application information, please visit: http://residence.3331.jp/