DETAILS
Ticketed
Project Room (10.05.68) at RMIT University
Building 10 (Casey Building) - RMIT University, Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC, Australia
Learn the Kumihimo braiding technique in this workshop, and begin documenting your life story through the creation of a tactile braid.
The Life Line Braiding project began in May 2023 when artist Vivian Qiu noticed how the braid intuitively captured her emotions and body sensations, becoming a way for her to document her life journey. The braid is more than 25 metres long and continues to grow over time. This braiding practice is a simple yet powerful way for Vivian to process her experiences with grief, relationship changes, and personal growth. Many people have influenced her life in meaningful ways, and she hopes the story conveyed in the braid will resonate with and influence yours.
In ancient Inca and Chinese cultures, before written language was invented, humans tied knots in pieces of rope to record important historical events and stories or to spread information. Braiding is similar to knot-tying as a way of documenting stories. This slow and meditative braiding process could help us to reflect on our lives, embrace vulnerability, and navigate complex emotions. Join Vivian Qiu Studio and create your own Life Line Braid.
Participants
Vivian Qiu
Vivian Qiu is an emerging artist whose background in jewellery and fashion informs her innovative approach to wearable art and sculpture. Her practice explores cultural identity, healing and oracle bone script - the most ancient Chinese language used for future prediction. Drawing on her diverse living experiences across different countries, she delves into her roots and personal identity through unique material research, creating culturally significant pieces from rice, grass, and soil. Vivian is particularly intrigued by the intersection of art, psychology, and personal transformation. She uses her creative process to embrace life's challenges and navigate complex emotions, inviting audiences to engage in introspection and potentially reframe their narratives. Her work has been exhibited internationally, including in Australia, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Some distinguished galleries include Galerie Marzee in the Netherlands and RMIT Design Hub Gallery in Melbourne. She was a finalist in the Emerging Artist Awards at FortyFiveDownstairs Gallery in 2023. Vivian has also shared her practice as an artist-in-residence at various high schools, supported by Regional Arts Victoria and Creative Victoria. Additionally, she has also worked with galleries, museums and organisations to deliver workshops, such as the National Gallery of Victoria, Signal, City of Melbourne, Immigration Museum, RMIT First Site Gallery and Geelong Wool Museum. Vivian’s projects have also been presented as part of the Melbourne Fashion Festival and Melbourne Design Week in both 2021 and 2023.