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More than 100 pieces of SAORI works, which demonstrate how rehabilitated people use perseverance and determination to overcome their limitations, are now on show at the Hong Kong Central Library until February 1.
"ORI" means weaving in Japanese and "SAORI" can be interpreted as "weaving with a difference". The unique art form came from Ms Misao Jo, who designed a lightweight weaving loom that is easy to operate and allows more people to enjoy the pleasure of weaving. Misao encourages weavers to achieve breakthroughs from traditional weaving techniques and express themselves freely. The SAORI she promotes emphasises the beauty of being different, while encouraging participation by people of various levels of ability, through which the philosophy of mutual appreciation, recognition and respect is embodied.
The"SAORI Hand-weaving Project", a partnership project of the Art Promotion Office (APO) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, SAHK, the Salvation Army and Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, aims to help rehabilitation groups to build self-confidence and express themselves through the SAORI art form by organising SAORI weaving workshops for the Sheltered Workshops of SAHK.
The project also organised "Weaving into Nature" day-trips to Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden for members of the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Services and SAHK, allowing the participants to enjoy the fun of dyeing and weaving in nature. Their works were on display at the garden from November, 2009 to January 3, 2010.
The current exhibition at the Central Library's Exhibition Gallery displays more than 100 SAORI works by members of the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Services and SAHK Sheltered Workshops. Meanwhile, hand-woven pictures created by mothers of members from SAHK Shek Wai Kok Parents' Resource Centre are also on display to show their love of their children and feelings about life.
In conjunction with the exhibition, a video illustrating the aims of the project and the principles and techniques of SAORI is featured. A series of free demonstrations and workshops will also be offered to the public. For bookings, please contact the APO's Community Art Team on 3101 2712 or 3101 2713.
The Central Library is located at 66 Causeway Road, Causeway Bay. It is open daily from 10am to 8pm. Admission is free.
For details of the exhibition, visit the APO's website: (www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/Apo).
Ends/Monday, January 25, 2010
Issued at HKT 12:33
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